Liverpool star Joe Gomez could be given England recall by Gareth Southgate amid a defensive injury crisis… FOUR YEARS after he last played for the Three Lions

England head coach Gareth Southgate is seriously considering granting Joe Gomez an international retirement.

The versatile Liverpool defender has become one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s side’s impressive season and is firmly on Southgate’s radar ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Gomez has not played for England since October 2020 but is now in line for selection as Southgate, who faces a dilemma over whether to pick Kalvin Phillips, deals with a defensive injury crisis, with Luke Shaw, Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier and Reece James. out, while there are doubts over Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire.

Gomez and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite have been watched by Southgate in recent weeks, while Eric Dier’s form at Bayern Munich has alerted the England staff.

And there is a feeling that Gomez’s ability to play in the back four gives him an advantage, particularly in a team so plagued by injuries.

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Meanwhile, Phillips’ position in the team is under increasing internal scrutiny amid concerns over a loss of form.

Southgate has shown immense loyalty to Phillips over the past 18 months despite a testing period in his career that saw him become a peripheral figure at Manchester City, while the start of his loan spell at West Ham amid a fight for form and fitness.

But the England manager knows he faces a difficult decision over Phillips’ inclusion given his recent struggles.

Phillips is understood to have been named in Southgate’s expanded squad, but whether he selects him in the final match will be one of the most intriguing decisions.