Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana have been called up by England, with the quartet given a mixed reception.
Liverpool will have four players representing the Three Lions in this month’s friendlies against the Netherlands (March 23) and Italy (March 27).
With Gareth Southgate preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup, he has retained both Gomez and Henderson and recalled Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallana.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was omitted last time, along with Daniel Sturridge who now misses out due to injury, while Lallana was sidelined for November’s 0-0 draws with Germany and Brazil.
The 29-year-old’s inclusion is the main talking point for Reds supporters following the announcement, given his lack of game time since recovering from a long-term thigh problem.
Here’s how Liverpool fans and the wider football media reacted to the latest England squad on social media.
Lallana’s inclusion was seen as a “show of faith”…
Big show of faith in Lallana from Southgate considering his lack of regular football. Oxlade-Chamberlain forcing his way back into England fold following his recent club form #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 15, 2018
“Lallana just lacks a good run of games but regardless of that i think he’s still pure class.”
– Adelive Nelson Peter on Facebook.
Adam Lallana’s importance to Gareth Southgate highlighted by his inclusion after such limited game time; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns, Joe Gomez retains his place in the squad ?
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) March 15, 2018
“Lallana has been consistently good for England, hasn’t he? There was a time in 2015-16 when he was better for England than for Liverpool. I hope he gains confidence during the International break.”
– pramodliv1 on Reddit.
“Happy for Lallana. He will struggle to be in the final 22, though, unless he steps up.”
– Odinaka in the comments section.
Though some rightly questioned Southgate’s motives…
“Lallana is a strange one, been injured for most of the season and get called up.”
– Gooden Large on Facebook.
Since February 1, Joe Hart, Joe Gomez, Danny Rose, Jack Wilshere, Adam Lallana & Danny Welbeck have made 5?? Premier League starts combined.
All named in the #England squad. Meritocracy. pic.twitter.com/QxlWpW9XU4
— Jonathon Taylor (@JonathonTaylor1) March 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/caparsebiscuits/status/974293668604665857
“Sorry but he lost his form. He was our most creative player after Coutinho but now Ox presses and creates more than Lallana.”
– Mumia Isaya Bornventure on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/marathonbet/status/974287124932583424
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return was widely lauded…
England squad shows Southgate’s emphasis on form. Four new call-ups, plus returns for Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere and Welbeck and back of improved performances. Slightly different for the ‘keepers as no-one made a compelling case to replace Hart.
— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesDM) March 15, 2018
“For England’s sake, hopefully Ox and Gomez play, huge talents.”
– OxladeofLfc on Reddit.
Oxlade-Chamberlain rightfully called up to the England squad, crazy how he's only played CM for 7 months and is already better than the likes of overrated jacky wilshere and Jordan Henderson. #England
— Main man mane (@Sadio10Mane) March 15, 2018
Would love Oxlade-Chamberlain to play in midfield for England this summer. He deserves it
— Josh (@LFCJosh23) March 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/974285323692924928
While some argued Alexander-Arnold should be involved…
“Feel like Trent really deserves a call-up to the senior side soon though, he’s been brilliant for us this season.”
– OxladeofLfc on Reddit.
Gomez and Lallana in the England squad ahead of Trent is a bit weird
— Childish Fabinho (@ChiIdishFabinh0) March 15, 2018
Trent’s been brilliant (bar last game) and Gomez and Lallana are just back from injury, with the latter not playing particularly well since he’s been back.
— Childish Fabinho (@ChiIdishFabinh0) March 15, 2018
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