Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was the one who broke the news of his inclusion in England's 2018 World Cup squad.
Gareth Southgate named the uncapped 19-year-old as part of the Three Lions' 23-man contingent for the upcoming tournament in Russia, which gets underway on June 14.
Alexander-Arnold, who is currently in Marbella on a warm-weather training camp with Liverpool ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid on May 26, spoke of his delight at the prospect of being on the plane for the World Cup.
"I'm honoured, excited and feeling really proud," the full-back told Liverpool's official website. "It was an unbelievable moment to find out I was going to go to the World Cup, especially at a young age. It's probably capped off a really good season for me.
"I found out this morning, just before we came out to Marbella. The manager came and spoke to me just as we were getting on the plane.
"He asked me if I knew anything about the squad or anything yet. I said, 'no' and he said, 'Have you got anything planned around the time of the World Cup?' and I was like, 'No, no holidays or anything...'. He said to me, 'OK, good... You're in the squad!'.
"It was a really proud moment. On England's behalf, it was nice of them to let the manager tell me."
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was also named in Southgate's squad alongside Alexander-Arnold, although Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain missed out through injury.
Giuseppe Labellarte
