'Why on earth': Martin Keown suggests one Liverpool player at Euro 2024 won't be happy right now

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06/28/2024 12:15 PM

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is currently on international duty as he and his England teammates pursue glory at Euro 2024.

Gomez is one of two Reds players who made the cut in the Three Lions squad, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, despite playing in all four of England‘s friendlies this year, Gomez is yet to feature for Gareth Southgate’s side at the tournament.

Now, a debate has begun regarding a potential change of personnel at left-back, but it doesn’t involve the Liverpool ace.

Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

Martin Keown claims Liverpool defender Joe Gomez won’t be happy with England situation

Earlier this week, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said Gareth Southgate has the chance to “activate” England’s attack at Euro 2024 by putting Saka in at left-back.

“As great as Saka has done for England in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player,” Wright said after the Slovenia draw, via the Daily Mail.

“He started playing for England on the left at youth level, he started at Arsenal on the left.

“If that's going to give you the balance and gets you Cole Palmer in the team, it's something you have to at least look at.”

Now, Martin Keown has claimed that Gomez will probably not be happy with how the left-back debate doesn’t seem to involve him.

He said on talkSPORT: "I have heard some suggestions about maybe Saka goes out into that position (left-back), but does that make it look like the manager is experimenting again?

“But if he gives us what we need… Does Palmer come onto the right-hand side of the pitch and replace Saka and Saka goes to a left-back position?

“If you are a player like Gomez in the squad who is wondering why on earth you have picked me if you are not going to use me now as the left-back, he is a sort of utility player."

Gomez a versatile option for England

Sometimes, versatility can be a double-edged sword when it comes to regular game time.

Gomez is certainly a versatile player, capable of across the entire back line and also as a defensive midfielder.

However, when it comes to the England picture, he may well be seen more as cover for a variety of players rather than a first-choice in the XI.

The debate around Saka at left-back is more about being able to also start Palmer, so sadly it doesn’t look as though Gomez will be starting regularly unless in case of injury and suspension elsewhere.