Liverpool star could be included in England World Cup squad

England manager Gareth Southgate is set to name his squad for the World Cup in exactly three weeks, and there are a number of players who will still believe that they can force themselves on to the list. 

Both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were let out of Southgate’s last squad in September, but the pair have been in form for Manchester United and could change the manager’s mind between now and November 10.

The likes of James Maddison and Ivan Toney look increasingly likely to be included after impressive displays of late, but it now appears that a Liverpool star could be pushing for an inclusion too.

As reported by The Times, Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could still secure a place in the squad for the showpiece.

The centre-back has been used regularly by Jurgen Klopp this season, making 11 appearances already across all competitions.

The defender has been in good from, too, and it is suggested in the report that Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland, watched the player in action during Liverpool’s win over Manchester City on Sunday.

The defender played at centre-back against The Citizens, but has also been used on the right.

Holland was said to have been impressed by Gomez, who could be included with a number of defensive injuries to current England stars of late.

Right-backs Reece James and Kyle Walker could both miss the tournament, and Gomez is able to play on the right, as he has done for The Reds on several occasions.

Gomez has played more regularly this season

The likes of Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire are also out of form at present, which could allow Gomez a place in the squad as a central defender.

Both Maguire and Manchester City’s John Stones have also been absent since England’s last match, against Germany at the end of September, having sustained injuries while on international duty.

Gomez, who himself suffered a severe knee injury during the 2020/21 campaign, struggled for game time last season as Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate were often preferred to partner Virgil van Dijk, but it has been a different story this term.

The Englishman has started eight games already, including Liverpool’s victories over both City and West Ham.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is also set to be without Matip and Konate for a number of weeks, so Gomez could benefit from an increased number of opportunities between now and the mid-season break for the World Cup in November.

The ex-Charlton Athletic man was handed his senior Three Lions debut in November 2017, but he has only made 10 appearances since, partly due to his long-term knee injury in 2020.

He hasn’t made an appearance for England since October 2020, during a 3-0 win over Wales.