Liverpool fans may rejoice over the omissions of Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones from England’s squad for the upcoming Euros. The logic behind wanting the pair to be left out is understandable – a lengthy rest after a challenging season and the elimination of the risk of injury during the summer break can only benefit them. Additionally, they will be available for pre-season training, allowing them to be in the best shape possible for the new campaign.
However, celebrating their exclusion overlooks the disappointment the players may feel about missing a rare opportunity to participate in a major tournament. This self-centered view also fails to acknowledge the less tangible advantages of international football, which will still be available to numerous Liverpool players representing their countries this summer.
Sadio Mane’s experience at the Africa Cup of Nations serves as evidence of the potential upside of international football. Prior to his departure for Algeria in January, Mane’s goal-scoring rate was 0.38 goals per game, with only one goal in his last 10 appearances. However, his three goals and winning penalty in the final shootout led Senegal to lift the trophy for the first time. This triumph provided a significant confidence boost for Mane, which had a profound impact on his performance for Liverpool. Upon returning to Anfield, he scored at an improved rate of 0.52 goals per game and concluded the season with a remarkable run of nine goals in 14 games.
A similar transformation was observed in Alexis Mac Allister, who excelled after helping Lionel Messi and Argentina win the World Cup two years ago. His contributions in Qatar and subsequent form paved the way for a move to Liverpool and a successful debut season. Mac Allister emphasized the importance of his national team experience, stating that it instilled in him a desire to win more trophies and provided him with confidence and valuable experience.
Liverpool hopes that their players can reap similar benefits from their involvement in international football this summer, considering the significant number of Liverpool players called up by their respective countries. For instance, Darwin Nunez’s hat-trick for Uruguay against Mexico bodes well for his development, and a positive performance in the Copa America would undoubtedly boost his confidence. Similarly, the honor of captaining their nations at a major tournament will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Therefore, while the absence of Quansah and Jones from the England setup may ultimately prove to be beneficial, it does not imply that every Liverpool player’s involvement in international football this summer should be considered a curse. The potential benefits, such as enhanced confidence, valuable experience, and improved form, make international tournaments an important part of players’ development and contribute to their success at the club level.