International watch: Liverpool senior duo impress on national duty

Liverpool stars Harvey Elliott and Virgil van Dijk impress on the international stage

Liverpool players away on international duty were involved in their respective sides yesterday. Harvey Elliott came off the bench for England Under-21, while Virgil van Dijk started the game for the Netherlands.

The Young Lions easily beat Italy U-21 2-0 in a friendly at the Stadio Adriatico in Pescara. Two quick goals from former Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster was enough to see his country win the game. (h/t England Football

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Elliott did not start the game but came off the bench for Manchester City midfielder Cole Palmer in the 71st minute. Though he was not involved much, he did his part to secure the win for his country.

Tyler Morton

, the Reds midfielder on loan to Blackburn Rovers remained an unused substitute for the game. It was a good win for Lee Carsley’s side as the Young Lions continue to build towards their ninth successive U-21 Euro Finals, which takes place in Romania and Georgia next summer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool centre-back van Dijk captained his country to a comfortable 2-0 win against Poland. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn were enough to send the Dutch on the top of their League A Group 4 table in the UEFA Nations League.

Poland almost equalised through Arkadiusz Milik, but the 31-year-old Liverpool centre-back was there to deny the striker his opportunity. This was his 48th appearance for his country during which he has scored five goals.

This was a much-needed break and the Reds’ stars could do with a morale booster following their poor start to the season. Fans will hope these wins motivate their players further and they can perform better for the club when they return.

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England next plays against Germany this Tuesday when they host them at Bramall Lane while the Netherlands will host Belgium on Sunday at the Amsterdam Arena.