Gomez hopes to chart course all way to Russia

JOE GOMEZ had a World Cup wall chart pinned up in his bedroom when England played in Brazil in 2014.

Next summer the Liverpool defender hopes to be in the picture frame himself in Russia.

Gomez, 20, is one of three uncapped players called up by England for the friendlies against Germany on Friday and Brazil next Tuesday.

Like Under-21 team-mates Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, he hopes to show he is ready to step up.

He said: “I watched the last World Cup at my mum and dad’s house in Catford. I remember getting all the magazines and TV timetables and keeping up to date with all the games.

“It would have taken a lot to convince me then that I could be involved in the next World Cup but I’d grab the chance if it was put in front of me.

“It has obviously been a dream since I was a kid to represent my country at senior level. The callup was a surprise but great news for me and my family. I’m aware it’s a big opportunity, especially leading into next year’s World Cup.

“I’d love to be involved in Russia but I have to show I’m capable of playing at this level. Everyone knows the talent Germany and Brazil have but at the same time I think it’s a good opportunity for us to show we can compete with them.” Gomez has already shown strength of character in recovering from the ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments he suffered while on duty for the U21s in October 2015 soon after his move from Charlton to Liverpool. He is grateful for the encouragement he received from Jurgen Klopp during his recovery and for his club boss having the confidence to play him on a regular basis this season rather than send him out on loan. “It does seem like quite a journey,” added Gomez. “I’ve had my ups and downs. I had a season when I was injured and it took a lot to stay strong. But this call-up is the sort of thing that was my motivation.” Gomez has impressed at right-back during Nathaniel Clyne’s injury absence at Liverpool but said: “Ideally, I want to end up as a centre-back. That’s where I think I can progress the most and be the best I can be. But I enjoy playing at full-back and it’s helped with my development. “As a young player getting regular games is important, regardless of the position. I’m just happy to be able to learn. “But I do see myself moving inside towards centre-half and hopefully playing most of my career there – and I believe the manager [Klopp] thinks that too.”