With the Premier League title seemingly decided for a second year in a row, all eyes are firmly fixed on the battle for a top-four spot in the Champions League.
Fast forward a few months and unfortunately, it’s champions Liverpool who are looking to make up the ground to ensure European football stays at Anfield next season.
A lot is at stake for sure, but it’s not just at club level that Liverpool’s season is desperately trying to be saved. There are a number of players who have been badly affected by lacklustre results on the domestic front this season and are still fighting individual battles for their places in their respective national sides.
Positive displays across Liverpool’s remaining fixtures in the league will be a vital lifeline for those still looking to cement a place at the Euros this summer.
Recently left out of the England squad for a spate of world cup qualifiers, the sternest international test before the Euros, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission is the big talking point around Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.
Like Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has endured his dips in form, but boss Jürgen Klopp believes the Premier League and Champions League winner has nothing to prove ahead of the Euros.
England boss Gareth Southgate was in the stands for Liverpool’s most recent game, a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, and Alexander-Arnold’s display cannot have been more emphatic.
Clinching victory in the dying embers of the match, the defender’s swooping strike on the edge of the box ensured Liverpool took all three points in their fight to move up the table won’t have escaped the England manager’s gaze.
Another Liverpool stalwart who is still up in contention for a place in the England squad is club captain Jordan Henderson. One of the key fixtures of the Liverpool first team, Henderson’s injury woes are just one example to beset key players this season.
Henderson is said to be expected back in the closing games of the season, his 58 caps and his key role in the England setup would be expected to see him make the grade if he is considered fit.
In fact, Euro 2021 betting is already in full swing with major betting sites already offering odds on final squad inclusions up to and including outright winner odds across the board.
With such an array of talent almost bursting at the seams, competition for places in the England national squad is perhaps one of the highest in Europe right now. Despite a questionable first season in England, although his obvious talent and prior achievements noted, Thiago is still likely to command a place in the Spain setup, while midfield counterpart Gini Wijnaldum has already played his part in the Netherlands most recent World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Other Liverpool stars that fans are likely to see in action this summer are Diogo Jota turning out for Portugal. His status has certainly been elevated since his move to Anfield last summer, although he is still competing for a starting place alongside the likes of Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Atlético Madrid star signing Joao Felix.
Another shoe-in for a national call up for the Euros will be Andrew Robertson, a key member of Scotland’s battle hardened side, who will be looking to get one over England in the group stages this summer.
Bit part striker Divock Origi looks likely to miss out on a place in the Belgium setup come June, not having taken part in Belgium’s recent world cup qualifiers.
Liverpool currently have seven games left to play in the Premier League this season including high profile visits to Elland Road and Old Trafford on the cards, sitting three points off a top-four finish.
Slip ups by the likes of third-place Leicester and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will provide positive encouragement from a Liverpool side who are looking to hit form just at the right moment.
