David Beckham has thrown his considerable support behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, backing the full-back to succeed at Real Madrid and insisting he must be on the plane for England's World Cup campaign this summer.

Alexander-Arnold's move from Liverpool to the Spanish capital last summer has been a story of adaptation, with his recent omission from Thomas Tuchel's England squad highlighting the ongoing debate about his role. His performance in Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich this week perfectly encapsulated his unique profile. While caught out defensively for Luis Diaz's opener, he responded with a moment of sheer class, delivering a pinpoint cross for Kylian Mbappe's crucial away goal, keeping Madrid's European hopes alive.

Beckham, who knows a thing or two about high-profile moves after his own switch from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2003, has weighed in on the discussion. The former England captain admitted he would find it "very hard" to leave a player of Alexander-Arnold's caliber out of a major tournament squad.

"I'm a massive fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold," Beckham told talkSPORT. "I've heard so many times... about, 'Well, he's not as good at defending as he is attacking.' Sometimes you have to accept that. Roberto Carlos was an unbelievable defender, but he was also unbelievable going forward... With Trent, would I take him? I'd find it very hard not to take someone like Trent."

While Tuchel acknowledged others are currently ahead in the pecking order, he left the door open for the 27-year-old, noting his positive reaction to the setback. As the season reaches its climax, Alexander-Arnold's performances for Madrid could yet force his way back into England's plans, offering a potent attacking weapon from the right flank for the Three Lions.