"It hurt" - Joe Gomez opens up about not being an England regular

Joe Gomez has spoken about why performing for Liverpool is so important in regards to his England aspirations.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, as quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, the centre-back made it clear that he wants to represent the Three Lions again.

Gomez said: "Fundamentally club football gives you the platform to be picked and that’s got to be my focus. It is a World Cup year, and I do feel like I have missed out on major tournaments, more so due to injuries than anything else.

“We have had conversations. Gareth is a great manager and also (England assistant boss) Steve Holland has been great in communicating with me and checking in at key moments. I watched part of the Euros, but it was hard. It hurt to not be there.

"I obviously supported the team as I did at the World Cup, but it hurt not being a part of either of those squads. I feel I could have been there. But my sole focus now is Liverpool and that can give me the platform to be picked by England.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

On his day, Gomez is a top centre-back. There is a reason why a top club like Liverpool offered him a contract extension this summer.

Gomez is more than good enough to represent England on a regular basis.

As he said, the main reason why he hasn't been picked to play for the Three Lions in recent times is simply because of injuries and a lack of game time at club level.

Unfortunately for Gomez, I don't see the game time situation fixing itself this season, unless Ibrahima Konate or Joel Matip pick up an injury.

Who knows, maybe he can impress Jurgen Klopp in the remaining pre-season games and give himself a good chance to start the Premier League campaign alongside Virgil van Dijk.