England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he can’t quite believe how quickly he’s gone from a boy playing grassroots football to the World Cup Finals.
The Liverpool defender received his first senior call-up for the trip to Russia after an impressive breakthrough season at Anfield.
And after making his World Cup bow in the final group game with Belgium, having also played at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile, the 19-year-old still recalls the days of playing with his mates and school teams.
“I can’t really get my head around how big this opportunity is at the moment,” admits Alexander-Arnold.
“I’m from West Derby in Liverpool, and I don’t know anybody else from my area that has played at a World Cup.
“I played for Country Park in the Walton and Kirkdale League.
“I always used to pretend to be Stevie Gerrard when I was playing as a kid as he is a Scouser.
“Everyone looked up to him – I don’t think there is any footballer that doesn’t recognise his talent and what he has done for his club and country at World Cups.
“The first World Cup I can remember is in 2006 when Italy won it. It just doesn’t happen to lads like me.”
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