Liverpool star Harvey Elliott highlights his ambition for England while emphasizing that everything is down to him to work hard

Harvey Elliott wants to prove himself with hard work at Liverpool, fulfilling his international ambition by earning an England call-up. Despite earning significant first-team experience at such a young age, England overlooked Elliott under the regime of Gareth Southgate.

Southgate faced constant criticism for the way he picked the England squad throughout his tenure, showing a very cautious attitude in selection. The former England manager opted for players who had a great rapport with him or the ones who the media pushed.

Southgate’s poor treatment of Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold exemplifies why he overlooked Elliott. Furthermore, the 53-year-old faced criticism for his treatment of English Liverpool players apart from Trent as he overlooked them constantly.

Elliott addressed (via BBC) his ambition to play for England while accepting that he needs to keep working hard. He said:

“I hope so. It’s just down to me to put in the work, put in the performances. You can say it all you want but it is down to me to work as hard as I can, perform in training and games, so it is on myself. There’s no one I could blame apart from me. I just wanted to come back early to get to grips with the new style of play and meet the coaching staff and gaffer for the first time. It gives me a chance to get up and running in pre-season. I feel like I’ve done that. I just need to keep going and building.”

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot played Elliott alongside Dominik Szoboszlai as a number 10 against Real Betis in a friendly. Slot opted for two number 10 as the pre-season squad is currently without a proper striker to take a spot.

Elliott enjoyed a steep rise at a very young age under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp and played in several positions. Despite being young, the 21-year-old has extensive experience at the senior level for the Reds and commands respect among his peers.

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While Elliott faces stiff competition next season with plenty of strong options for the number 10 role, he is unfazed. The Englishman can also play effectively at the right flank as a deputy to legendary forward Mohamed Salah.

Elliott offers a different style than Salah as a right attacker which Slot may not prefer in his style of play. Nevertheless, Elliott has a big role to play for the Reds next season with plenty still to prove.