Liverpool star Joe Gomez could be given England recall by Gareth Southgate amid a defensive injury crisis… FOUR YEARS after he last played for the Three Lions
- The English national coach is struggling with selection headaches, because four defenders are injured
- Gomez’s last appearance for his country took place in October 2020
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England head coach Gareth Southgate is seriously considering handing Joe Gomez an international recall.
The versatile Liverpool defender has emerged as one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s impressive season and is firmly on Southgate’s radar ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Gomez has not played for England since October 2020 but is now in line for selection as Southgate – who faces a dilemma over whether to pick Kalvin Phillips – faces a defensive injury crisis, with Luke Shaw, Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier and Reece James all. out, while doubts remain over Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire.
Gomez and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite have been monitored by Southgate in recent weeks, while Eric Dier’s form at Bayern Munich has alerted England staff.
And there is a sense that Gomez’s ability to play across the back four gives him an advantage, especially in a side so hampered by injuries.
Joe Gomez has impressed with his form for Liverpool but has not played for England since 2020
Gomez could be brought back into the international fold in the upcoming internationals
Meanwhile, Phillips’ position in the squad is under increasing internal scrutiny amid concerns over a loss of form.
Southgate has shown immense loyalty to Phillips over the past 18 months, despite a testing period in his career that saw him become a peripheral figure at Manchester City as he began his loan spell at West Ham amid a battle for form and fitness.
But the England head coach knows he faces a tough decision on Phillips’ inclusion given his recent problems.
Phillips is believed to have been included in Southgate’s extended squad, but whether to select him in the final will be one of the most intriguing decisions.