"I thought I played really well then [in the Nations League third-place playoff against Switzerland in 2019], but I just couldn't hit the ground running after that. Otherwise, they have been mediocre performances by my standard, and that's what I need to improve," Trent Alexander-Arnold has said via Zoom, as per The Telegraph.
"I'm not sure – obviously with fewer games come less opportunities. I would say there is a lot more competition for places here. At the club I am a regular who plays most of the games. I think it is just not finding form and finding the level I need and the level I demand on a daily basis. I have just not been able to reach that bar.
"It's difficult to say really, isn't it?" Trent says when asked whether he fits Gareth Southgate's approach.
"You're playing a different system [with England], with different players. It's no excuse, but it's hard to find your feet, to find form when you're not playing in a team with the same players every time. Anyone is going to have difficulties with that.
"I feel like since I've come into the squad, I haven't really been the best version of myself. I haven't put in the performances I have regularly for my club and I expect more for myself when I play for England. Hopefully over the next week I am given an opportunity to perform and am able to take it.
"I want to win trophies [with England]. I want to become a regular. I want to lead the team out. And I think those things are achievable for me.
"I had the reassurance from the manager, then I had a clear mind going into the last few games of the season. I just focused on my football. Obviously, I was left out in March.
"The only way I could get back into the squad was better form for my club, and I thought I put in good performances in the home straight. I did well, [Liverpool] got into the top four and I earned my way back into the squad."
Trent didn't feature for England as the Three Lions smashed Hungary 4-0 away from home. Gareth Southgate reportedly plans to use the player as a box-to-box midfielder next time.
Later on Sunday, England will take on Andorra at home. The kick-off is at 17:00 BST.
