Liverpool’s Euro 2016 contenders: who deserves a spot and who doesn’t…….
The English:
Adam Lallana – Emre can prove himself to be a versatile bench player for the Reds this season, adding impact when his team were in need. If Hodgson is after energy on the field, Lallana would be a key choice.
James Milner – While not bringing the spark of creativity and impact as he had at Manchester City, Milner’s work rate is outstanding and can still see him partner up with fellow Reds leader, Jordan Henderson for club and country.
Jordan Henderson – endured a difficult season which has been less impressive due to an injury early on, yet is one of England’s main midfield enforcers and would be unlikely to see him miss out.
Daniel Sturridge – he’s one of the most lethal strikers in world football when in full fitness and good form. If Sturridge regains his best in the next month or two, he should comfortably join the England squad.
Nathaniel Clyne – as Glen Johnson aged, Clyne has recently become one of Roy Hodgson’s preferred defenders, edging out Tottenham’s Kyle Walker after being chosen for majority of their European qualifiers. Clyne has proven himself to be a solid and reliable performer and adds some great attacking quality to boot for the Reds and could do the same for the Three Lions.
The Belgians:
Christian Benteke – a disappointing return of six goals in his first Liverpool season has left his confidence shattered but he could still pose a threat to opposition nations in the Euros. More goals in the League will guarantee a bench spot.
Divock Origi – scored his first Belgian goal in the 2014 World Cup where he was discovered by Liverpool, who he has now scored two goals for in the Premier League. If he impresses in the last months of the EPL, Origi will be donning the Red, Gold and Black for another major tournament.
Simon Mignolet – The error prone goalkeeper will most likely get second pick for the Belgian squad, behind Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea. Mignolet has had a season to forget despite signing a new five year contract, with a number of errors proving costly to a number of his side’s results. However, he can still produce spectacular saves as seen in the Capital One Cup Final and should be his country’s second choice.
The Rest:
Dejan Lovren – Has notably improved this season after a disappointing first campaign on Merseyside. While occasionally victim of conceding a dumbfounding error, Lovren is undoubtedly one of Croatia’s better defenders.
Mamadou Sakho – Tough, passionate and resilient, Sakho’s disappointment at his substitution due to concussion in the first half of the Capital One Cup Final outlined his sheer desire to constantly fight for his team and put in the hard yards for the club. This quality is sought in any side and Sakho always brings this to the French team.
Martin Skrtel – Regardless of inconsistency, Skrtel will be a definite inclusion into this squad if fit.
Alberto Moreno – His passion for the Reds jersey has endeared him to the Liverpool faithful but it is questionable as to whether he’ll be able to challenge the likes of Jordi Alba and Juan Bernat for Spain’s left-back position.
Emre Can – came from nowhere in the last couple of seasons to impose himself as a formidable figure in central midfield. He may yet see himself picked as a depth player in Germany’s squad.
Joe Allen – works hard, has composure within midfield and normally maintains an excellent passing accuracy. A must pick for the Welsh team.
Adam Bogdan – a certainty to be named as one of Hungary’s top three goalkeepers despite his dismal showings in Liverpool colours.
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