The 2022 World Cup is finally upon us and seven of Liverpool’s squad will be representing their countries in Qatar this winter. Will any of Jurgen Klopp’s men make it to the final?
Liverpool’s seven-man World Cup contingent will be playing for five different nations, and three of them are among the pre-tournament betting favourites to go all the way. Therefore, there is a very good chance at least one of the Liverpool squad could play in the final next month.
Let’s take a closer look at all the players, countries and the betting odds:
England – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson
Gareth Southgate selected two Liverpool players in his 26-man squad with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson making the cut.
Alexander-Arnold has obviously been a key player for Liverpool in recent years but he faces stiff competition to secure a starting spot for England with Southgate expected to go with Kieran Trippier at right-back. Likewise, Henderson may miss out on a starting place as Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are likely to be the midfield pairing.
However, injuries, suspension, form and formation changes could see Alexander-Arnold or Henderson starting in the World Cup final should England make it that far.
The Three Lions are among the favourites in the FIFA World Cup betting odds with bookmakers pricing them at around 10/1 to win the tournament. England will be confident of winning Group B as they face Iran, USA, and Wales, then anything can happen in the knockout stages.
Brazil – Alisson Becker, Fabinho
Roberto Firmino may have missed out, but two of Liverpool’s squad still made it into the Brazil squad with Alisson Becker and Fabinho included.
The pair will be hoping to feature regularly for the Samba Boys in Qatar. Alisson has been outstanding for Liverpool once again this season and should get the nod between the sticks for his country. Fabinho has now been showing his best so far this season but he’s still an important player for Brazil and should see plenty of minutes.
The Brazilians are the 4/1 pre-tournament favourites with the betting sites and should have no problem getting past Cameroon, Serbia and Switzerland in the group phase. They have a terrific chance of reaching the final so Alisson and Fabinho are arguably Liverpool’s best hope of having a representative playing on December 18th.
France – Ibrahima Konate
Konate has recently returned from injury and recovered just in time to prove he’s fit for the World Cup. He was named in Didier Deschamps’ squad earlier this month and will be hoping to secure a starting spot.
As reigning World Champions, it’s no surprise to see France are among the favourites with the bookmakers to retain their title. Many betting sites are pricing France at 15/2 to win the World Cup, and with the talent available in their squad, many fans may be tempted to back the French in Qatar.
Holland – Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk has once again been a key player for Liverpool this season and while his form may not have been up to his usual high standards at times, the 31-year-old was still named in the Holland squad for the World Cup.
The centre-back is certain to start at the heart of their defence and some feel Holland may be the dark horses at this World Cup. They are priced at 14/1 to go all the way and after being drawn in Group A alongside Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal, the Dutch will be quietly confident of progressing to the knockouts.
Uruguay – Darwin Nunez
The final Liverpool representative in Qatar is Darwin Nunez as he’s been named in the Uruguay squad. Liverpool big-money summer signing has found his goal-scoring form in recent weeks so he’ll be hoping to continue that form at the World Cup.
Uruguay are priced as 50/1 outsiders to win the World Cup so it’s highly unlikely that Nunez will feature in the final next month.
