Gary Lineker blasts Gareth Southgate's decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold on the England bench

Gary Lineker has questioned Gareth Southgate's decision to leave Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench as England laboured to a 1-1 draw against Germany.

The Three Lions salvaged a late point after Harry Kane's 88th-minute penalty but looked disjointed in both defence and attack.

Amid defensive competition from Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier, Reds defender Alexander-Arnold has not generally been first choice for his country despite being a key part of one of the world's best club sides.

He started as right wing-back - an unfamiliar position - in England's 1-0 defeat against Hungary, but failed to make an impact and was replaced by Chelsea star James after 62 minutes.

Southgate then reverted to a back four against Die Mannschaft, with Trippier at left-back and Walker at right-back, both of whom played the full match.

And Match of the Day host Lineker criticised the decision to leave the gifted Alexander-Arnold an unused substitute as England laboured without him and struggled to make passes.

He tweeted: 'England trail and continue to struggle to pass the ball to each other and create anything, while the best passer in English football remains on the bench. That would be @TrentAA if you weren't sure.'

And other fans also took to social media to express their frustration with his absence.

One posted: 'How will I explain to future generations that the best right back of our generation, the best crosser of the ball the world has ever seen, the generational talent Trent Alexander-Arnold can't start for his country?'

Another added: 'England fans don't want Trent starting because he's not good defensively right? Then keep your superb defenders right backs playing and no one will create a single chance.'

A third said: 'If Southgate is serious about winning the World Cup, he has to build the team around Trent and get the best out of him. He's literally the nation's generational player.'

Lineker also praised substitute Jack Grealish for his impact off the bench - with supporters also blasting Southgate's conservative picks and urging the manager to pick Grealish ahead of Mason Mount in midfield.