Of course, the Euros also represents a chance for Liverpool’s players to show Arne Slot what they’re made of. While fans will be closely watching the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold for their fantasy football squads, and assessing whether they back England to win the competition at 3/1 with some EURO 2024 bets, Liverpool’s Dutch manager will be watching closely for how his clubs’ players fare in Germany.
Whether or not Liverpool’s players will feature on a consistent basis is up to Gareth Southgate, but those who follow the Three Lions religiously, attend major tournaments, play fantasy football, and bet on football games will surely want some of Liverpool’s contingent to play. After all, England’s defence is a cause for concern, and Liverpool have a number of potential answers for what appears to be a big problem for Southgate’s side.
Throughout history, Liverpool players have certainly contributed to the national team. So, with the likes of Joe Gomez and the aforementioned Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to play some part in the tournament, let’s take a look back at how some of Liverpool’s most famous players have fared at major tournaments.
A key part of arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever side, Steve McMahon, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley were also valued members of Bobby Robson’s 1990 World Cup squad. Looking back, Italia ’90 was arguably England’s best tournament showing, despite losing on penalties to West Germany in the semi-finals.
On the way to that painful defeat, though, the Three Lions relied on Liverpool’s finest. While John Barnes’ time on the pitch was restricted due to injury, he still managed to play his part in New Order’s iconic song ‘World In Motion’. Likewise, Steve McMahon’s influence on the squad was important, while Peter Beardsley managed to form a deadly partnership with Gary Lineker up top. Overall, it was a memorable month in Italy for Robson's side, and Liverpool’s players certainly played their part.
In a period of time when football was apparently “coming home”, Liverpool’s team in 1996 was exciting fans. It came as no surprise then when youngsters Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler were called up by Terry Venables, with the talented trio impressing overall.
Sadly, for Redknapp, his persistent injury issues hindered his playing time somewhat, but both Fowler and McManaman were there when needed. Fowler didn’t start given the first-choice partnership of Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham, but he had goals in him if required. However, Steve McManaman was a key cog in England’s wheel, adding some creativity and flair to an England side who needed it.
Written by Alan Spencer