Liverpool star in line for England recall

England manager Gareth Southgate will name his squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies on Thursday. 

With just four fixtures remaining before this summer’s European Championships kick off, Southgate’s selections for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium will likely give a significant insight into the squad that he will take to Germany.

A number of players have been touted to receive their first international call ups, including Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, while the likes of Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney will also be pushing to be included.

It appears, though, that a Liverpool defender could also be set for a surprise return to the international fold.

According to 90min, Reds defender Joe Gomez could be in line to return to the England squad for the games against Brazil and Belgium.

The report suggests that the centre-back could be in line for a recall as Southgate contends with injuries to a number of key defenders.

Joe Gomez could return to the England squad this week

At present the likes of Marc Guehi, Reece James and Kieran Trippier are all unavailable due to injury, and the versatility of Gomez could make him an attractive option for the England boss.

The Liverpool star regularly fills in at right-back for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and he has also even been deployed at left-back on occasion.

Gomez joined Liverpool from Football League side Charlton Athletic in 2015 and has since made a total of 212 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.

The defender was handed his senior debut for England in November 2017, and has been capped 11 times by the Three Lions in total.

He hasn’t played for his country since October 2020, though, having suffered with a number of serious injuries and also fallen out of favour at Anfield at times.