Gomez’s Return to England Training: From Ambulance Incident to Comeback
Joe Gomez, the Liverpool defender, recently returned to England training at St George’s Park, bringing back memories of a previous incident that saw him suffer a horrific knee injury. The last time Gomez trained at the national football center was in November 2020 when he suffered a patella tendon rupture, resulting in emergency surgery and a nine-month absence from the squad. However, after his impressive performances for Liverpool in various positions, Gomez has now rediscovered his form and has a chance of securing a place in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for Euro 2024.
Negative Vibes and New Beginnings
For Gomez, St George’s Park holds negative memories, as it was also the location of a bust-up with Raheem Sterling in 2019. However, Gomez is determined to turn this place into his new happy place and overcome his past experiences. Returning to the training pitch where he was injured, Gomez expressed a mix of anxiety and relief. He described his previous injury as “gruesome” and recalled how his knee cap was halfway up his leg. Despite the psychological toll it had on him, Gomez has moved past it and is at peace with what happened.
A Psychological Test at Wembley
In addition to his injury ordeal, Gomez also faced a challenging experience at Wembley when he was booed by England fans during a match against Montenegro in 2019. This came after a clash with Sterling and a subsequent bust-up between the two players. Gomez admitted that it was testing and not something he wanted to happen in front of his own crowd. However, he has moved on from it and is looking forward to returning to Wembley, considering it a special stadium.
An Opportunity for Gomez
Despite his setbacks, Gomez’s impressive club form this season has caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. Gomez has been played in various positions by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, including as a defensive midfielder. With England lacking depth in their center-back position, Gomez’s inclusion in the squad is not only deserved but also makes sense. Gomez is enjoying his football at Liverpool and appreciates the opportunity to be with the England squad. He is focused on the present and is not worried about the past or the future.
Conclusion
Joe Gomez’s return to England training at St George’s Park marks a significant milestone in his career. Overcoming a horrific knee injury and negative experiences, Gomez has rediscovered his form and has a chance to secure a place in the England squad for Euro 2024. With his versatility and impressive performances for Liverpool, Gomez’s inclusion in the squad is well-deserved. He has moved past his past setbacks and is focused on the present, appreciating every moment. Gomez’s journey from the ambulance incident to his comeback is a testament to his resilience and determination.