Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could be in line for a surprise England recall in time for the Three Lions' World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Gomez was instrumental to the 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon at Anfield as he, alongside Virgil van Dijk, helped Liverpool become just the second Premier League side to prevent Erling Haaland from finding the back of the net this season.
England boss Gareth Southgate faces a last-ditch defensive dilemma ahead of naming his 26-man squad, with Manchester City defender Kyle Walker still recovering from surgery on an ongoing groin issue. Meanwhile, Chelsea star Reece James is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines after damaging ligaments in his knee during the victory over AC Milan last week and Harry Maguire has only managed a bit-part role under new Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag so far this season.
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But according to the Telegraph's Matt Lawton, Southgate would not need much persuading to welcome Gomez back into the Three Lions frame due to being a big fan of his "talent and temperament", despite the 25-year-old failing to make an appearance for his country since 2020 and missing last summer's European Championship's due to injury.
The former Charlton Athletic scholar has endured a torrid couple of years since sustaining a season-ending injury while on international duty in November 2020, and a lengthy period on the sidelines saw Gomez lose his place alongside Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence as Jurgen Klopp signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig in the following summer.
Last season Gomez made just four Premier League starts, which all came at his unfavoured position at right-back as he was behind Van Dijk, Konate and Joel Matip in the Reds' defensive standings.
But with Klopp confirming that Konate will not return to training until later in the week as he continues to nurse a muscle injury sustained during the 7-1 thrashing of Rangers, and Matip sidelined with a calf issue, Gomez is set to resume at the heart of Liverpool's defence during Wednesday's Premier League clash at home to West Ham United.
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