Klopp thinks Southgate is making a rod for his own back by omitting Liverpool pair

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes England boss Gareth Southgate is making life difficult for himself in the future with his selection criteria.

Reds duo Daniel Sturridge, who has scored in back-toback matches for the first time in 2017, and Alex Oxladechamberlain were both omit- ted from the squad for friendlies with Germany and Brazil although defender Joe Gomez did receive a maiden call-up.

Southgate’s argument in relation to Sturridge on Thursday was that because he was not playing regularly he could not perform “at his very best” for the national team.

“It is not our decision but if Gareth Southgate saw the last few games I think for sure he could have invited all three of them,” said Klopp. “Gareth makes his decisions, I cannot “I think Ox has made big steps here. But I cannot call Gareth and say ‘please, call him up’”

change that. Both of them would play in other English Premier League teams quite regularly. If he makes it now like this it could be difficult in the future if he sticks to this plan 100 per cent – not for us but maybe for England. Daniel had a few injury problems and was called up [in the past] because he is still the striker everyone thinks about.

“If he [Southgate] thinks he doesn’tneedhimican’tchange it. Ox is coming in a new club and that always needs time to adapt. I think he made big steps since he was here. But, again I cannot call him and say, ‘Please, call him up’.”

One player Klopp is happy to see go on international duty is Sadio Mane, whose quickerthan-expected return from a hamstring injury has put him in contention for a surprise place in the squad for today’s match at West Ham.

The forward has not played since injuring himself playing for Senegal against Cape Verde on 7 October, with his last league game the 1-1 draw at Newcastle six days prior.

Mane has been called up for Senegal’s two World Cup qualifiers, with two points needed to guarantee their place in Russia next summer, and Klopp hopes sensible management of his player will benefit both parties. “We cannot sit here and ignore the situation of Senegal and say we don’t care if they play in the World Cup. It is not right and not nice,” added the Reds boss.