Liverpool FC News: Joe Gomez draws Virgil van Dijk comparisons for England

Joe Gomez may have only played 23 minutes for England during yesterday's defeat to Brazil - but he was sure to leave an impression.

In his return to the national team after four years without selection, Gomez stepped onto the Wembley field in place of Ben Chilwell, who by all accounts had endured a pretty nightmarish outing at left-back.

Despite being on the pitch for Endrick's 80th minute winner, the Liverpool man could be pretty proud of his cameo, putting in a decent shift for Gareth Southgate's side.

However, as the clock ticked towards full-time, Gomez was faced with an unenviable situation for any defender.

England had been caught lacking at the back as they searched for an equaliser down the other end - and as such, Brazil found themselves with a three-on-one counter-attack in stoppage time, with eyes of wrapping up the game.

Who was that one, you may ask? Joseph Dave Gomez.

Channelling his inner Virgil van Dijk, he drifted effortlessly backwards while keeping all eyes on the oncoming threat before snuffing out the attack.

It was a moment that earned high praise from many an England fan, with the still image of Gomez against three hungry Brazilian forwards being something to behold.

Gomez has a real claim to start in Southgate's XI at the upcoming Euros, especially if his left-back competitors continue in their current form.

That said, the 26-year-old wasn't all smiles after the game, using his press duties to air his frustrations.

Hardly a 'friendly'

After a feisty contest full of late challenges, Gomez was sure to call out Brazil's ill-discipline at full-time.

Throughout the entire match, Brazil were guilting of making 19 fouls, compared to England's 11.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta could have been shown a second yellow card for several late tackles and there was plenty of fierce challenges going in from both teams.

"The number of fouls they gave away was, I’m sure, on the higher end of the scale," Gomez said.

"It just shows both teams wanted to win and didn’t treat it like a friendly. It’s an important time for the team, leading up to a major tournament, so that’s the way Gareth [Southgate] wants us to approach the game.

"It's a massive fixture against a top team, so it was nice to be out there. It’s disappointing we didn’t get the win. The team played so well and dominated a lot of the game. They showed their quality with that chance."