With no Premier League game for Liverpool this weekend, my attention turned to the mid-week International friendlies. With an excellent display against Southampton last weekend, many of the squad on the day went into their International set ups. We have seen within the last year how the age profile of the squad has dramatically changed, with younger players being given a chance to shine in the red shirt. Many of these players have been English or through the academy. So on Wednesday night I decided to watch England vs Denmark at Wembley. For the first time since 1977, Liverpool had five English players on the starting Line-up. They included Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Some experts believe John Flanagan should have also been called into the squad, given his current form.
This achievement is a testament to Brendan Rodgers, who has put his faith in these players. England won the game 1 nil, with Raheem Sterling awarded man of the match and Sturridge getting the winning goal. As said previously, the last time England had five Liverpool players in the team was 1977, when Liverpool were at their height of football dominance. I’ve looked at other major European sides and there is a trend between success and a core of home-grown talent. Bayern Munich for example who are the current European Champions have a core of German players such as Philip Lahm, Toni Kroos, Sebastian Schweinstiger and Tomas Muller. Similarly Barcelona who have been the dominant force in European football for the last decade have Xavi, Busquests, Iniestia and Pique. Manchester United in their dominance of the English over the last twenty years have had since the famous class of 92 have always had English players at the spine of their. I believe it is important for successful teams to have players from their home nations. It brings a sense of team bonding, and making sure foreign Imports understand what it means to play for a prestigious club.
With the performances the English lads have put in at Liverpool this season, I see no reason why they will have a major representation in the England squad on the plane to Brazil. It’s time for Hodgson to pick these young players and give them a taste of major tournament football. The golden generation flopped at major tournaments, so maybe this Liverpool generation can inspire them to success. Next week it’s all about the biggest rivalry in British sport, Manchester United v Liverpool!!
Raheem Sterling against Denmark
Liverpool FC 2013/2014 