Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott is now the perfect replacement for ‘fantastic’ England player

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Harvey Elliott is suddenly an ideal player for England. The Liverpool youngster can now see how he fits into Gareth Southgate’s plans.

It was always a long-shot that Harvey Elliott went to the World Cup. We imagine Gareth Southgate had an eye on the Liverpool player without every really considering him for the tournament – he doesn’t have any caps, after all.

But no one can doubt that Elliott will make the squad soon. He’s already performing well in the Premier League at 19 and clearly has the talent to make it. We think Southgate will take a look at him in 2023, certainly.

Especially as Elliott is suddenly has a clear place in the squad. Developments at the World Cup have changed Southgate’s XI – and now the teenager is best-placed to fill a role.

Harvey Elliott, England player

England have looked great in their last two games and we don’t think that’s a great surprise. After all, these are the two games Jordan Henderson started.

The Liverpool captain has a knack for improving every team he plays in. That’s the main reason Jurgen Klopp has stuck with him for seven years – he raises the standards and is a serial winner.

Harry Kane raved about him after the England win over Senegal, for instance. Gareth Southgate also talked up Henderson, saying that he’s clearly having an effect on Jude Bellingham.

“This is the best version of Hendo we’ve had,” he said, per Sky Sports. “He looks in good physical condition, touch wood. His influence on the group is fantastic, always has been. And to chip in with a goal, he really deserves that.”

“We think he’s giving Jude a bit more freedom,” he went on to say. “He does not need to be quite as positionally disciplined.”

Henderson, though, may not be around for the next World Cup. He’s now 32 and someone who hasn’t had the greatest injury record. Just as Southgate finally realises he should rely on the midfielder, he’s got to think about his replacement.

Well, there’s no one better than Elliott to do that. For one, he’s already filling in on the right of a midfielder three for Henderson. He knows how to press that way, knows how to operate in the same positions, and has the quality to play the role.

And Elliott, after all, is still only 19. He’ll get better at all of that and will perfect the Henderson role over time. Liverpool certainly back him to do so – we imagine Southgate eventually will, too.