Which Reds Could Make the England Squad for Euro 2024…?
After Trent Alexander Arnold withdrawal from Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad, it left the reds without any representatives within the remaining group. We all know that Jordan Henderson is now plying his trade elsewhere, so it raised the question of whether any of the current crop of Liverpool players could gatecrash next year’s Euro 2024 party. I am certain that if fit, our new vice-captain will be joining Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in a new look midfield three (next summer), with his former captain ushered back to the substitutes bench. In choosing to move Trent into a versatile hybrid position, Jürgen Klopp has given the Three Lions manager the opportunity to pick his previously undesired right back in a more influential midfield position. It does appear that everyone involved in this positional alteration is gaining from the positional alteration, which no longer pits our world class hybrid as the fall guy he had too often been tagged as. After England only managed a 1-1 with the Ukraine at the weekend, the absence of our beloved number 66 was highlighted by many onlookers as the missing ingredient, which is an ironic contrast to just a year ago.
England drew against Ukraine?
No Trent, no party. pic.twitter.com/oST5AUiqy1
— Liam 💫 (@LiamMLFC) September 9, 2023
Who Are the Candidates for An England Call Up…?
In positional order, I will list and briefly diagnose each viable candidate, with my verdict on whether they are likely to make England’s next international competition.
Joe Gomez
A tremendous talent that was ravaged by injury two years ago. His reinvention is promising and ongoing, especially after a very good display against a dangerous Aston Villa attack last weekend. This is an experienced and versatile defender that has won every major job out for his club, that was on the verge of becoming his nations best defender, just prior to his horrific injury. If he is fit and playing even semi regularly, I believe he will eventually leapfrog the likes of Harry Maguire and become a good option for Southgate next summer.
Verdict – Form and injury will dictate for availability, however, I have never lacked faith in the former Charlton man and believe he will be on the traveling plane next summer.
Centre-back cover was the one area of concern that wasn’t addressed during the summer window.
But Joe Gomez’s performance against Villa bodes well for the season ahead.
Felt like a big step forward for a defender who deserves some good fortune. #LFC https://t.co/LJAhjeXM25— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 4, 2023
Jarell Quansah
The wild card candidate who has made two very intriguing appearances so far this season. He stature, calmness, strength and in house tutelage, means his trajectory will be under review by managers for both club and country. The reds are notoriously prone to defensive injuries, which could create an opportunity for this 20-year-old novice to exploit.
Verdict – I think too many stars would have to align for this academy product to get a call up. His future looks very bright though.
Curtis Jones
His first start of the year had him impressing everyone against Villa, with an energetic display full of confidence and maturity. This came after a superb end of season run in, before he was integral to the England’s Uber 21 side winning the summer’s World Cup. For me, it is only a matter of time before he becomes the back up to Jude Bellingham (for England), which is probably the role that his Liverpool manager wished for him at Anfield. Behind that starting midfield three I mentioned above, Curtis Jones should soon become next in line.
Verdict – The aging pathway has been cleared for his club and it does seem like he has his hands on a first team midfield slot, alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Once he gets his first senior call up, I cannot see how he does not make himself integral to the England middle ground, that is probably lacking depth.
Not quite Ange-ball. Turgid possession as per usual from England. As a United fan didn’t think I’d be saying this but someone like Curtis Jones is the type who can improve our build up phase and perhaps Trent can be used in an right side CAM role.#UKRENG #southgate #lfc pic.twitter.com/1dSEYiDF0V
— Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️ (@pythaginboots) September 9, 2023
Harvey Elliott
The popular player is competing with a good few players right now, all of whom operate in a similar role. The attacking midfielder / inverted winger / second striker position, is clearly the popular pathway of those born in the 2000’s generation. Harvey is so talented and good few players eager to impress, yet the quality in depth for both his club and country means he is likely to remain on the fringes for both.
Verdict – It would take some very poor form by others to see the former Fulham player called into next summer’s squad. Elliott’s favoured position is the strongest area in the Three Lions locker; therefore, it would take a huge season by the 20-year-old to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans.