Will Liverpool’s Englishmen Finally Emerge for the Three Lions?

Around Tuesday lunchtime of this week, the very much expected news of Gareth Southgate’s resignation was confirmed by the FA, following England’s failure to win the most recent European Championships. There are those loyal fans that will point to his overall performance and win percentage, the consistent tournament placings, as well as how he ended with a stronger record than many that came before him. My own perception is that an average era was undertaken with almost all high calibre opponents overcoming England, as failure to truly succeed with a continual strong group, became commonplace.

At the time of the former Aston Villa defender’s appointment (eight years ago), I was underwhelmed and concerned that a tactically unproven coach would be taking the reins on one of the biggest jobs in world football, without earning the right. Certain British managers seem unable to create inventive systems of play, away from the dogmatic culture that is so often been associated with the Three Lions. I do not believe that this England team in anyway excelled at the recent competition in Germany, with another failure added to the résumé of the outgoing former Middlesbrough manager. This is a man that potentially finds his way to Old Trafford, where the true limitations of his abilities will rise to the fore.

What Does This Mean for Liverpool’s English Contingent?

Sky Bet have released odds on those that they believe are most likely to succeed as England’s new manager, following the recent announcement. Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Lee Carsley, are the most prominent and likely candidates who will be in the running for the FA appointed post. Though I have recently written about my desire to see Jürgen Klopp installed as successor, I expect that the bookmakers are correct in their early analysis, with the eventual appointment being awarded to one of the three Englishmen mentioned.

This summer saw a lack of invention and bravery (from England), with so much possession being given up in the inevitable final loss (2-1) against Spain. Ultimately, a negative setup will often see technically superior nations overwhelm a limited-on ball opponent, especially with a lack of confidence in their convictions. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains one of the most gifted footballers on the planet, with his name (at this moment in time) being linked to a controversial move to Real Madrid.

This is a player that would walk into any footballing team or nation on the planet, except that which was once managed by Gareth Southgate. I suspect that a stuttering international career will now blossom under new leadership. The disrespected playmaker should finally be rewarded with a starting role under the next regime, something that could see the door opened also for some of his current teammates.

The likes of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott, should all become a strong part of what is assembled over the next two years and before the World Cup. The talent and energy of all those mentioned have been largely shunned during the reign of the former England manager, with a painful stubbornness often seeing limited and regressed players called up ahead of those more talented.

To enable an international group to have so many players that play for an elite club (such as Liverpool), will only aid the transition from domestic to international football. This vital component will surely see far greater involvement from the boys in red, even though it will mean more games for the players over the season. Irrespective of tribalism or agenda, all I want is for the best assets (and system of play) to be representing this nation at future tournaments, which has been far from the case throughout the tenure of the 54-year-old Southgate.

Regarding the reds 26-year-old vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold, I suspect his recent links with a move to Spain are nothing more than overhyped media frenzy, with a likelihood that upcoming contract negotiations will be accelerated with this high-profile link. Concerning this group, as soon as the next international window prevails itself, I am certain that I will be dismayed when a raft of Liverpool players high-profile are called up to the initial squad of the new Three Lions manager. It has been and will remain a problematic reality that disrupts the frenetic Premier League season, however, ambitious, and talented players will thrive and perhaps gain valuable confidence in an immersing themselves into England’s own regeneration.