With both the Euros and Copa America set to go ahead concurrently across June and July, it means Premier League players have no chance of sunning themselves after the Premier League draws to a close this May.
No less Liverpool’s highly sought after stars, who will be joining up with their respective national teams in the hope of lifting silverware in both hemispheres this year. But who amongst Liverpool’s ranks is looking most likely to come out on top in their search for international glory?
Liverpool’s Brazilian trio
Set to take place across two countries for the first time since 1983, straddling venues in both Argentina and Colombia, South America’s version of the Euros, the Copa America is expected to go ahead this June after a year’s postponement.
Few countries can boast the internal competition for places like Brazil’s Seleçao. But with over 100 collective caps between them, Liverpool’s Brazilian trio of Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are looking likely to command a place in the Brazil set up this summer.
All three have once again played a central role in this year’s club campaign and will likely feature for Brazil during the Copa America. Alongside hosts Argentina, Brazil are current favourites to lift the trophy with a number of bookmakers set to roll out betting sign up offers for this year’s international tournaments.
England hopefuls fall short
Liverpool’s English contingent have so far failed to make the grade, with no Liverpool players called up by Gareth Southgate for the March internationals against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
How far this will be indicative of England’s final squad going into the European Championships is unknown, with a number of spots given to players still seeking to prove themselves at International level.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez would under normal circumstances command squad inclusions at the international level. The latter two are currently members of Liverpool’s injury ravaged squad.
Henderson will have to recover quickly from groin surgery, Gomez is looking set to miss the summer’s tournament and Alexander-Arnold faces stiff competition on the flanks.
England are currently odds on favourites to win this year’s Euros alongside France. Those hopefuls pushing for a summer call up, alongside their Brazilian counterparts, are being backed as most likely to make it a summer to remember.
Centre pairing in serious contention
Stalwarts of their respective international squads, both Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum have both been selected as part of strong sides going into the March international break.
Spain and Netherlands contested a tense 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa only to both endure a frustrating period of underachievement ever since. Spain will be looking to emulate the Dutch in their recent revival based on a new generation of youthful talent, in the hope to boost their international standing and hunt for silverware.
Central midfield pairing Thiago and Wijnaldum can confidently say their respective countries will be among the favourites this summer at the Euros. Experienced heads will be needed in the middle of the park and both names are likely to be amongst those first on the call up sheet this summer.
