“I would be surprised if he did take it” - Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold on his choice to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss

England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has said that he would be 'surprised' if his former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp succeeds Gareth Southgate as the new Three Lions' manager. Southgate resigned two days after the Euro 2024 final defeat.

Following the 2-1 final loss to Berlin - England's second in as many Euro finals - Southgate tendered his resignation. Since then, speculation has been ripe about Southgate's successor, with names like Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley doing the rounds.

Some reports have also mentioned Klopp as one of the candidates, but Alexander-Arnold said that while he enjoyed working under the German, he's unlikely to return to management after stepping down at Anfield last season. He said (as per Daily Mail):

"I enjoyed every moment I worked with him, we shared amazing memories, forged an amazing relationship, an amazing bond. So of course if that were to happen, we would pick up where we left off. I would be surprised if he did take it (though)."

"It was clear when he announced when he was leaving, the conversations I have had with him, everything on social media, he seems to be enjoying his time off, so it would be a huge surprise."

Klopp is likely to take the year off after citing burnout as the reason for ending his near decade-long Liverpool stint.

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Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold showers praise on former England boss Gareth Southgate

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has waxed lyrical of Gareth Southgate for his England stint, taking the Three Lions to at least the quarter-finals at four major tournaments, including the final at the last two Euros.

Trent Alexander-Arnold initially started in midfield at Euro 2024 before coming off the bench during the knockouts, scoring a memorable penalty-shootout winner in the Round-of-16 win over Slovakia. The Liverpool man said about Southgate (as per the aforementioned source):

"I can only be thankful for every opportunity I have been given and the memories that we have shared. I do think Gareth is underrated. I think the England manager's job is one of the hardest jobs there is. You will always be judged, there is always speculation, people always have their opinions.

"But the way he has driven the team and the environment for the players is there for everyone to see. There was unity, everyone came together as a team, but every manager does come in for criticism. The way he dealt with it was incredible and yet again, he got us to a final."

Defeat for Southgate's side extended their 58-year wait for a major title since their 1966 FIFA World Cup win at home.