Jurgen Klopp called out England boss Gareth Southgate after Liverpool’s draw with Manchester City on Sunday, questioning how he could overlook Reds star Joe Gomez.
The versatile defender started in the thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield, which keeps the Premier League title race beautifully poised as we head towards the home stretch of the season.
John Stones put the champions ahead before Alexis MacAllister equalised from the penalty spot and neither side could find a winner despite good chances at both ends to do so.
Amid the injury crisis Liverpool have been suffering in recent weeks, Gomez has filled in across a number of positions, including stepping into holding midfield for the first time.
The 26-year-old can also perform at centre-back and in both full-back roles, playing at left-back in the draw on Sunday.
Questioning Southgate after the match, Klopp said: ‘Joe Gomez. Gareth, honestly?’
Gomez has played 11 times for England, but not since October 2020, although that is down to how little he has played for Liverpool at times.
In the 2020/21 season he made just seven Premier League appearances and the following season only eight.
The 2022/23 campaign saw him make 21 league appearances, although just 15 of those were in a starting Xi and this season he has appeared 24 times in the top flight, so his international credentials are now better than they have been for some time.
Speaking earlier last week, Klopp was making his player’s case to make the Euro 2024 squad, focussing on his versatility.
‘I am not standing here telling Gareth who he should pick,’ said the Liverpool boss.
‘But you can get one player and have four positions covered. Wonderful.’
England take on Brazil on 23 March and then Belgium three days later, with players having the chance to impress Southgate ahead of this summer’s European Championship.
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