Liverpool defender Joe Gomez ‘hurt’ to not be part of England national squad
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has opened up on his England aspirations and said that he was hurt to have missed out on the last few major tournaments with the national side.
The 25-year-old has suffered many injuries since coming to Merseyside in 2015. That has meant Gomez has missed out on Gareth Southgate’s final squad for successive tournaments.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the 25-year-old opened up on the disappointment of missing out on major tournaments like the World Cup in 2018 and EURO 2020. He recently signed a new contract at the club until 2027 despite interest from Aston Villa.
“It is a World Cup year, and I do feel like I have missed out on major tournaments, more so due to injuries than anything else. I watched part of the Euros, but it was hard. It hurt to not be there.”
Gomez has missed 136 games over the years for the Reds. A lack of continuity in the team has pushed him down in the pecking order. But fans know of his quality.
The defender has shown the crowd the ability to have been a regular in Jurgen Klopp’s side. But opportunities have been scarce for the England international in the side.
Gomez is cheering on the national side even if he can’t be a part of it. But the 25-year-old believes he has the required skill to be in Southgate’s plans. Now, the England international’s aim is to perform well for Liverpool and hopefully make it to Qatar.
“I obviously supported the team as I did at the World Cup, but it hurt not being a part of either of those squads. I feel I could have been there.”
“But my sole focus now is Liverpool and that can give me the platform to be picked by England.”
Last season, Gomez seemed to have caught a break from his injury nightmare. The defender was available throughout the campaign for Klopp. But the prospect of pushing into the team ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip is a big task.
Also, Ibrahima Konate broke into the side. The Frenchman was the gaffer’s preferred choice on the bench. The 23-year-old played a major part in our Champions League run to the final.
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Gomez started just 11 games last season. Even though he was available for Klopp to use, the competition within the squad was enormous. Fans will hope the 25-year-old stays fit and plays a vital part in the Liverpool squad in the upcoming campaign.
