Liverpool players are now all on their summer breaks after Euro 2024 came to a close last weekend.
It has been a long season for a number of Reds stars, who went deep into the Euros and also Copa America.
Despite the success of their national teams though, it was not a happy summer for a few of the Liverpool squad.
One who fits into this category is Joe Gomez. Gomez worked hard to fight his way back into the England set-up after a stellar season at Liverpool.
But despite being a brilliant option for Gareth Southgate, the Reds defender did not play a single minute across seven games for England. With Southgate now gone, Gomez has opened up on his frustrating tournament.
Joe Gomez delivers Gareth Southgate verdict
Since Southgate resigned on Tuesday, rumours have been rife about who could take the England job.
There had been suggestions that Jurgen Klopp could take over the Three Lions, but that now seems desperately unlikely.
Klopp’s arrival would obviously have been superb news for Gomez’s England chances. The 27-year-old was the only player to have been at Anfield throughout the German’s reign.
But with someone else set to be lined up, Gomez will have to prove himself all over again.
READ MORE: Former Liverpool player should be a surprise candidate to replace Gareth Southgate
After such a frustrating summer with England, some players may have been happy to see the manager go. But it says a lot about Gomez’s character that he has instead paid a glowing tribute Southgate.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Liverpool’s No.2 thanked his former boss and reflected on Euro 2024.
“Not how we all wanted it to go, but a memorable experience with great people,” says Gomez.
“Thank you to Gareth for all the opportunities you’ve blessed me with, from the U21’s till now, I’ve greatly enjoyed playing under you and all the best for the future.”
What is Joe Gomez’s Liverpool future?
In fairness to Southgate, he was the manager who gave Gomez his England debut back in 2017. As Joe mentions, they also previously worked together at U21 level.
Having said that, Gomez should almost certainly have earned more than the 15 caps thrown his way.
With Luke Shaw injured for the early part of this summer’s tournament, the Liverpool man really should have been given his chance at left-back.
It is at centre-back where Gomez wants to play, though. That he may not be in Arne Slot’s plans in the middle of the defence have led to suggestions that Gomez could look to leave Liverpool this summer.
Despite that, Liverpool don’t want to lose Gomez and for now, it looks likely that he’ll be lining up for a tenth campaign with the Reds.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
