Liverpool star hoping performances will earn place in England World Cup squad

Joe Gomez has spoken of his ‘hurt’ at missing the last two major tournaments with England, and revealed his plan to ensure he goes to the World Cup later this year.

The Liverpool defender missed the 2018 World Cup after suffering an ankle injury shortly before the tournament, and then missed out on last summer’s European Championships due to a long-term patella injury that kept him out for eight months.

The Englishman returned to full fitness last season but struggled to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s side, and England boss Gareth Southgate said that he would only be included in the Three Lions squad if he was playing regularly.

Now, the 24-year-old has spoken of his hurt at missing the last two tournaments.

“We have had conversations,” the centre-back said to the Liverpool ECHO.

“Gareth is a great manager and also (England assistant boss) Steve Holland has been great in communicating with me and checking in at key moments.

Gomez is hoping he can impress at club level to earn an England recall

“Fundamentally club football gives you the platform to be picked and that’s got to be my focus.

“It is a World Cup year, and I do feel like I have missed out on major tournaments, more so due to injuries than anything else. I watched part of the Euros, but it was hard. It hurt to not be there.

“I obviously supported the team as I did at the World Cup, but it hurt not being a part of either of those squads. I feel I could have been there.

“But my sole focus now is Liverpool and that can give me the platform to be picked by England.”

Gomez made his England senior debut in 2017 but has just 11 appearances to his name.

He has also struggled for game time at club level, starting just ten Premier League games over the past two seasons.