Joe Gomez Receives First Call-Up to Senior England Team

Joe Gomez will be joining Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, on the senior England squad that will face Germany and Brazil in friendlies later this month. The Liverpool defender reportedly impressed England manager Gareth Southgate with his performances at Anfield over the last season, where he’s made 11 appearances in all competitions so far.

Gomez also had a chance to captain the England U21 team in August and led the team to victory over Andorra and Scotland in that time.

Southgate, when announcing the squad line-up, challenged Gomez to fight for a more permanent place in the senior squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“Joe’s a great personality and I’ve had really good feedback from Aidy (Boothroyd, England Under-21s boss),” Southgate added. “I’m pleased to work with him again. He’s a centre-back. A back three is perfect for him. He’s quick, athletic, and can use the ball.”

Gomez is one of three U21 players who are receiving the call-up in what Southgate describes as “an opportunity to look at new players and a different way of playing.”

“These lads are players who, right through the age groups, have been recognised as being our best players and they’re all playing well with their clubs and having a good impact,” Southgate said.

“This is a great opportunity to see if they can fit into the senior team and they’ve got the chance to stay there if they do well.”

Other Reds who will be representing England include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Solanke who received their call-ups to the U21 squad.