Gomez and Gordon in line for England calls
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate is giving serious consideration to handing Joe Gomez an international recall, while Anthony Gordon may receive his first call-up.
Versatile Liverpool defender Gomez has emerged as one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s side this season and is in line to be selected this afternoon for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Gomez has not played for England since October 2020 but is now hopeful of being picked as Southgate — who faces a key decision over out-of-form midfielder Kalvin Phillips — deals with a defensive injury crisis. Luke Shaw, Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier and Reece James are all ruled out, while there are doubts over Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire.
Gomez and Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite have been watched by Southgate in recent weeks — while Eric Dier’s form at Bayern Munich has alerted England staff. But there is a sense that Gomez’s ability to play anywhere across the back four gives him an advantage, particularly in a squad hampered by injury.
There is hope Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon, who is also on Southgate’s radar, could be fit for his first call-up, too.
Gordon looks to have avoided serious injury after fears he had badly hurt his knee during the defeat by Chelsea on Monday.
Mail Sport understands Gordon, 23, has experienced no adverse reaction since and he could even return to training in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Southgate has a big decision to make over Phillips, given the midfielder’s struggles on loan at West Ham.
Phillips is understood to have been named in the extended squad but whether he makes the final party will be among the most intriguing calls today.
Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis are hoping to keep their places, while Raheem Sterling is set to miss out again.
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has been watched and may take the place of Arsenal’s out-of-favour Aaron Ramsdale.