Liverpool player’s are picking the bones out of the latest international break this morning.
With so many of their squad in action yesterday, there’s plenty for supporters to mull over today. One highlight will invariably be seeing Conor Bradley get his first goal for Northern Ireland, although an injury to Andy Robertson in the same match is a worry.
Another who was in action on Tuesday was Joe Gomez. The 26-year-old has become accustomed to not being involved during these pauses, but made his first England appearance since August 2020 on Saturday.
Gomez followed that up with another spot on the bench for last night’s clash with Belgium. However, injury to John Stones just 10 minutes in gave the Liverpool man another chance to shine.
Joe Gomez taking England chance
Although Stones was playing centre-back for England – with Ezri Konsa at right-back – Gomez was thrown in to take over from Konsa, with the Aston Villa man moving in-field.
It was a nice moment for the pair, who came through the academy at Charlton Athletic together.
But more than that, it meant that Gomez was going to be directly up against Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.
Doku is a tricky customer on the best of days. The £55m man has given Liverpool a tough time already this season although will perhaps now always be associated with the non-penalty on Alexis Mac Allister earlier this month. Regardless of that, Gomez was going to have to be on it.
Gomez handles Doku test
According to the English national press, Gomez stood up to the test posed by Doku diligently.
The Liverpool man has been excellent this season, regularly pocketing players even better than 21-year-old from right-back, centre-back and left-back.
And in the words of The Independent, Gomez put in an ‘assured’ display. ‘Fighting hard’ against Doku in defence, Liverpool’s No.2 is also said to have ‘contributed’ in attack as well. A score of seven out of 10 is testament to a job well done from Joe.
Sky Sports are a little less effusive in their assessment, handing Gomez a six out of 10. However, he still earns praise for his battle against Doku.
Gomez is claimed to have ‘relished the challenge’ against the Belgian, although did pick up a booking for a cynical foul.
The England man is also praised for his attacking output, with two crosses for Jude Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen earning a special mention. Great work, Joe!