KING JAMES
Chelsea star Reece James ‘a lot better’ than Trent Alexander-Arnold and must start for England, claims Agbonlahor
REECE JAMES should start for England ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, reckons former Three Lions ace Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Both stars are vying with Kyle Walker for the much coveted right-back slot at this year's World Cup.
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Gareth Southgate has alternated between the three in recent seasons, as well as crocked Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier.
But if Walker is to be playing in a back three, Agbonlahor would pick James over Alexander-Arnold at wing-back.
He told : "I'd choose Reece James, only because he’s better defensively.
"If you say Trent Alexander-Arnold is a ten out of ten on the ball, Reece James is a nine out of ten so that’s enough that you need in that position that Reece James offers.
“Look at Reece James today, scored and assisted, he’s giving out assists and goals as well just like Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Reece James is a lot better defensively, he looks quicker as well."
On the Liverpool ace specifically, he added: "His all-round play has been amazing, ever since he made his debut to be honest.
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“He’s been questioned about his defending but sometimes it’s harder to work on that than your natural ability on the ball and for me he’s the best right-back in the world on the ball but defensively it can sometimes let him down."
James grabbed a goal and an assist during yesterday's 4-0 romp over Burnley, marking his first start of 2022.
The 22-year-old has six goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.
Alexander-Arnold, a year James' senior, has two goals and an incredible 17 assists this term.
He grabbed his latest in yesterday's 1-0 win over West Ham - setting up Sadio Mane's winner.
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