Liverpool FC News
Jurgen Klopp backs England recall for ‘wonderful’ Joe Gomez
Jurgen Klopp has backed the “wonderful” Joe Gomez for an England recall ahead of the March international break.
The 26-year-old has only accumulated 11 caps for the Three Lions since his debut just under seven years ago, and the defender hasn’t featured for the national team since a 3-0 win over Wales in 2020.
However, with Gareth Southgate yet to name his squad for the international break later this month, the impressive performances of Joe Gomez will certainly have caught the England manager’s eye.
Liverpool’s longest-serving player in the current squad, Gomez’s versatility has been remarkable this season, with the former Charlton Athletic man featuring at left-back, right-back and centre-back.
To add to this, Gomez has been utilised as a defensive midfielder in the last two matches for the Reds, highlighting the trust Klopp has in the underappreciated defender.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, Klopp backed Gomez for an England call-up, citing his flexibility as one of his key strengths.
“I am not standing here telling Gareth who he should pick but you can get one player and have four positions covered. Wonderful.” said Klopp.
“If you play football at this level, there is [a big] difference between centre-half, full-back, right, left, to the No. 6 – and he is capable of that transition in his mind.
“He is one of those stories. What a wonderful player he is and I am so happy he can show that again.
“In midfield, the game is coming from all angles. Everything changes and he has dealt with it so well, it’s crazy. Really good and super-important.”
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Luton Town FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Wednesday, February 21, 2024: Liverpool s Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Luton Town FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2024-02-21-Liverpool_Luton-11
Current injuries to the likes of Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire and Reece James mean there is a potential opening for Gomez in an England shirt, but Southgate’s stubbornness when it comes to squad selection means a call-up remains unlikely.
England’s loss would be Liverpool’s gain over the international period, with Gomez earning some much-needed rest should he not receive a recall.
He has already played 37 games in all competitions for Liverpool this season, six more than he played in the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign.
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