Title: Joe Gomez: England’s Left-Back Solution?
Joe Gomez, the Liverpool defender, has been suggested by former England striker Wayne Rooney as a potential solution to England’s left-back problem at the Euros. Despite Gareth Southgate’s lack of a fit, natural left-back, Gomez has yet to feature in any of England’s matches. Luke Shaw’s absence due to injury has led Kieran Trippier to fill in at left-back, leaving England without an ideal option in that position.
Rooney, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, voiced his surprise at Ben Chilwell’s exclusion from the squad and emphasized the importance of having a left-footed player for balance. He believes that the choice for left-back boils down to Trippier or Gomez. However, there is an added complication as there are concerns that Trippier is managing a calf injury, potentially ruling him out of the last-16 clash with Slovakia.
While Gomez’s lack of playing time thus far suggests Southgate’s reluctance to use him, his versatility and strong performances for Liverpool make him a compelling option. Rooney’s endorsement of Gomez highlights the growing unease surrounding Southgate’s team selections throughout the tournament. Despite initial hopes for a bold squad announcement, Southgate has relied heavily on familiar faces.
It is worth noting that Gomez’s inclusion would provide an alternative to shifting Kyle Walker from his established role as one of the world’s best right-backs. This move could disrupt the team’s balance and effectiveness on the right side of defense. Additionally, there are other questions surrounding the team, such as the positioning of Phil Foden and the overall balance of the squad.
While it remains to be seen whether Southgate will consider Gomez as a viable left-back option, Rooney’s support adds weight to the argument. The inclusion of recent reports suggesting Trippier’s injury concerns further adds to the discussion. Ultimately, Southgate’s decision will significantly impact England’s chances of success in the tournament. As the tournament progresses, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how the left-back situation unfolds and whether Gomez gets his chance to shine.