It has been a remarkable 12 months for Trent Alexander-Arnold. A year which started with him turning down the chance to represent England Under-19s so he could concentrate on fighting for a first-team place at Liverpool – they went on to become European champions in his absence - has seen him become a regular at Anfield, playing in a Champions League final and now going to the World Cup in Russia.

The 19-year-old only made his full England debut in the final warm-up match against Costa Rica last week and there is a broad grin – permanently fixed, it feels – as he discusses the incredible season he has had.

There is just one moment the smile falters. It comes when Alexander-Arnold considers the disappointment of losing that Champions League final in Kiev to Real Madrid and the agony of being so close - in touching distance, literally - to the trophy.

“When I walked down the stage with my silver medal past the cup obviously you cannot describe what the feeling is like but it is the closest thing to heartbreak that I have ever had,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“I was just really disappointed. I felt like I let everyone down and I am sure the rest of the lads felt like that as well. You know the fans and everyone wanted us to win it – that was the point of everyone travelling over there and everyone wanted to bring the trophy back.