Southgate discusses Alexander-Arnold comparisons with Beckham

Gareth Southgate has finally found someone to Bend It Like Beckham.

Scouser Alexander-Arnold was England's most creative player from the full back position and his “whip” on crosses and accuracy with free kicks is reminiscent of Beckham.

England boss Southgate clearly has a soft spot for him, having watched his development through the age groups and believes his attitude on and off the pitch will take him to the top.

“There's still a bit to do defensively on positioning and awareness but he's had some fantastic experiences already in a very short career. He's heading in a really good trajectory,” said Southgate who was asked whether he was England's best crosser since Backham.

“He's his own player. His technique for his crossing is fantastic. In training yesterday he wandered down the other end of the training pitch with a bag of balls, put one down. They had a wall up, he whipped it round the wall into the top corner then just walked off.

“So we said: 'OK, a bit of pressure training.' He's got great belief in his delivery. When he was taking his corners, actually, there was too much (whip) on them. But it's a great asset to have.”

Southgate insists Alexander-Arnold is part of the “England family” and the young full back typifies what the Three Lions boss is looking for.

“Absolutely, mum came to the hotel the other day and I've met her before and she's a wonderful woman,” said Southgate. “I think they feel part of the England family.

“I went to the States with him when he was Under-17 a few years ago, he's a lovely kid. He's very proud of his roots and he's given a lot to his own community as well. He's matured in that time.

“He got sent off in that tournament. When he was younger he had lapses of that. He's 20 years old, played in two Champions League finals it's an amazing start.

“His manager's shown great faith in him to put him in the team at Liverpool, keep him in the team when he's had a few difficult moments.

“That faith's been repaid, he knows the quality he brings and the way Liverpool like to play by turning teams and the quality of his forward passing in behind opposition is huge asset for them. He's, like all young players, been great that he has a manager with that faith in him.”