Joe Gomez‘s impressive performances for Liverpool have been rewarded with his first ever call-up to the England senior squad.
It has been a hugely pleasing change in fortunes for Gomez in 2017, having suffered from such terrible injury problems shortly after he joined Liverpool.
The 20-year-old didn’t play for 15 months between October 2015 and January this year, following cruciate ligament and Achilles problems.
Having got himself fully fit, however, Gomez has been a regular this season, becoming first-choice right-back and making 11 appearances to date.
The former Charlton Athletic starlet was named man of the match in the 0-0 draw with Man United, and his power, intelligence and quality on the ball have all caught the eye.
One of those clearly impressed is England boss Gareth Southgate, who has picked the youngster for his side’s two upcoming friendlies.
The Three Lions take on Germany at Wembley on November 10, before hosting Brazil four days later, meaning Gomez could come up against Liverpool teammates Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
It is a wonderful honour for Gomez, who is the current England U21s captain, and it has to be seen as a major next step in his career.
He has been tipped to be a key figure for his country for a number of years now, and it was the potential he showed at Charlton that saw Brendan Rodgers bring him to Anfield for £6 million, in June 2015.
Having been rested for Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Maribor, Gomez is expected to come back into the team for the weekend trip to West Ham, in place of the impressive Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Also called up for England’s two matches is captain Jordan Henderson, but there’s no place for Daniel Sturridge or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Solanke have been called up for Under-21s duty.
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