Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah HAILED after Euro 2024 England call

Only one year ago Jarell Quansah was lining up for Bristol Rovers in a League One game against Forest Green, a team who ended up relegated and, this season, have fallen again to the National League. 

Quansah, now 21, was offered to Joey Barton’s side on loan in order to garner some first-team minutes and wasn’t anywhere near being a consideration for Liverpool’s first team. 

However, events over the course of the season have turned the centre back's career on its head and he’s now incredibly heading to Euro 2024 as part of England’s Euro 2024 preliminary training camp. 

From featuring against players who will soon be playing outside the Football League to potentially mixing it with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe on the biggest stage, Quansah has undoubtedly grabbed his chances this season with both hands. 

He no doubt owes a lot to departed manager Jurgen Klopp, who had no qualms throwing him in during the early part of the season with Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate unavailable. 

From the moment he appeared as a substitute at St. James’ Park against Newcastle in August, Quansah has looked at ease in his Premier League surroundings, making 33 appearances in his rookie Liverpool campaign, even scoring three times and adding three assists across all competitions. 

He was the final goalscorer of the Klopp era, netting against Wolves on Sunday, and also ended the campaign as a Carabao Cup champion.

Quansah was part of the famous 'Klopp’s Kids' lineup who downed Chelsea at Wembley, again emphasising the strong link between Liverpool’s youth and academy sectors and the first team. 

Having started the season as FIFTH-choice centre back he ended up as Virgil van Dijk’s partner on a regular basis. 

Moreover, the big defender has also represented England at every underage level from under-15 to under-21, most recently representing that outfit in March. 

He is one of FOUR Liverpool players called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior side, albeit part of an initial 33-man group which will comprise the preliminary training camp ahead of the summer showpiece. 

Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold make up the Liverpudlian contingent, with Quansah and Jones perhaps the surprise inclusions on Tuesday. 

Quansah call-up welcomed by fans

His call-up was hailed across social media by Liverpool fans, with many excited about the prospect of seeing him featuring for the Three Lions this summer. 

“From being 5th choice CB to becoming a regular starter and called up to the England squad,” one wrote on the social networking site X, formerly Twitter. “Massive achievement for Jarell Quansah, what a breakthrough season. Fully deserved.”

“Fair play Quansah must be delighted with his progress into Int squad,” wrote another. “Klopp gave him an opportunity and he's taken it. I'm sure Slott will have a similar path into first team.”

Quansah will relish England challenge

There is still a way to go with the squad to be whittled down to 26 and England featuring plenty of centre backs in the initial pick. 

It is expected that John Stones and Harry Maguire will ultimately go to Germany but the rest of the spots are up for grabs. 

Suggestions from Gareth Southgate indicate that he will use Joe Gomez as a left back, meaning Quansah will be up against Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa and Jarrad Branthwaite for a Euro 2024 position. 

If he’s demonstrated anything this season it’s that he’s not prone to shying away from a challenge. 

And having fought his way from No.5-pick for Liverpool, surely there’s potential for Quansah to be on the plane.