We’re casting our minds ahead to the summer, with Euro 2016 set to take place. With our Liverpool hats on, which Anfield players will enjoy themselves in France?
Christian Benteke, Joe Allen and Daniel Strurridge could be primed for international success.
1) Christian Benteke – Belgium
Let’s be honest, Liverpool fans haven’t been blown away by Benteke have they? Big price, big expectations, but does he really fit into the way Jurgen Klopp wants to go about things?
Hopefully he gets a few goals between now and the summer, settles in to life at Anfield and shows everyone that given time – he can become a successful Reds striker.
This summer though, he’s part of a Belgium squad that is playing fantastic football and has a genuine chance of success.
How typical would it be from a Liverpool perspective if he looks a million dollars for his national team?
He’ll have competition from Romelu Lukaku, but he’ll be a great impact sub and can force his way into becoming a big player
this summer.
2) Joe Allen – Wales
What a man. It seems as a Liverpool fan, you either love or hate the Welsh Xavi. He’s got some fantastic quality though and this season – he’s shown bottle.
Often criticised, he’s knuckled down and performed well for Klopp. Clearly someone who enjoyed life under Brendan Rodgers, he could easily have sulked when the former boss was dismissed.
Instead, he’s worked hard to get in the team, grown a fantastic beard and contributed well.
For Wales this summer, he can be huge. Other than Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, he’s probably Chris Coleman’s most important player. Don’t be at all surprised if his playmaking ability shines through and Allen is recognised on a bigger stage.
3) Daniel Sturridge – England
Let’s keep this short and sweet, much like Sturridge’s career these days. He comes back from injury in a burst, scores a few goals and then gets injured again.
He probably needs a slightly prolonged spell between March and May where he’s looking fit and lively. If he does this, he’ll be in the squad.
Then, with confidence and a clean bill of health, his freshness could be huge for England.
Fingers crossed!