Gareth Southgate confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from the latest England squad is solely down to his form for Liverpool.
Right-back Alexander-Arnold wasn't named in the 26-man Three Lions squad for the trio of World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland later this month.
Explaining the decision to leave Alexander-Arnold out and select Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James in the position instead, Southgate said the 22-year-old's form hadn't reached the heights of recent seasons.
'In some areas of the pitch we have incredible competition for places,' Southgate said.
'I don't think he has played to the level he found in the last couple of years but I think he is getting close to that now. He has taken steps in the right direction.
'I have made that same call to Kyle [Walker] and Kieran [Trippier] in the past and their response was a good one.
'I am certain Trent will play a big part in the future.'
Alexander-Arnold, who has been capped 12 times for England, has contributed one goal and five assists in 34 Liverpool appearances across all competitions this season.
Jurgen Klopp's side have seen their title defence implode in recent weeks following a dreadful run of just two Premier League wins in their last eight games.
Alexander-Arnold's returns have certainly diminished on the previous two seasons.
In 2018-19, which ended with Liverpool winning the Champions League, Alexander-Arnold set up 16 goals in 40 appearances.
Last season, which saw Liverpool ending their 30-year wait for a league title, he claimed 15 assists in all competitions.
Southgate handed Alexander-Arnold his first senior cap against Costa Rica in a friendly match just prior to the 2018 World Cup.
He last played for the Three Lions in the 2-1 win over Belgium at Wembley in the UEFA Nations League last October.
A calf injury kept him out of England's last set of internationals in November.
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