The international break is always hugely frustrating. It slows momentum or, in our case, prevents us from instantly bouncing back from a disappointing result. Sadly, we have to wait another week until the Reds travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.
However, there is still plenty to look forward to, with all of these Liverpool players in action…
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Belgium – Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Simon Mignolet
Belgium got the win they needed over Bosnia on Thursday, winning 3-1 as they edged ever closer to qualification. Origi was a late substitute in the game while Mignolet was an unused substitute. Benteke missed the game through injury but is hoping to return in time for the match with Cyprus on Sunday (via Liverpool Echo). The Belgians are still three points adrift of group leaders Wales with three games remaining, but remain two points clear of Israel.
Brazil – Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho
Despite initially being left out of the squad for their two matches, Coutinho has now been recalled to join Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino. The Brazilians take on World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica on Saturday and then play again on Wednesday, when they take on the USA – both matches are friendlies.
Croatia – Dejan Lovren
Dejan Lovren will have been handed a much needed confidence boost after helping his side keep a clean sheet against Azerbaijan on Thursday – although he will likely be disappointed that his side weren’t able to force a result, instead being held to a goalless draw. Despite the slip up, Croatia remain top of their qualifying group, ahead of second place Italy on goal difference. You can watch them take on third place Norway on Sunday.
England – James Milner and Nathaniel Clyne
England will be looking to maintain their one hundred per-cent qualification record over the next few days – taking on San Marino on Saturday and Switzerland next Tuesday, where back-to-back wins will seal qualification for the Three Lions. Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner are both set to play, although neither Jordan Henderson nor Daniel Sturridge have recovered in time to take part in the two games.
Germany – Emre Can
Emre Can could make his debut for Germany against Poland on Friday evening – after impressing at this summer’s European Under-21 Championships. However, with the Poles currently sitting above the World Cup champions in their qualification group, the Germans might not take any chances on young players. Perhaps Monday’s game, against Scotland, is a more realistic date for him to make his debut.
Hungary – Adam Bogdan
Liverpool’s number two goalkeeper will be in the Hungary squad for the games against Romania on Friday and Northern Ireland on Monday, as they look to secure their first qualification to a major tournament since 1986. They currently sit third in their group, three points behind Romania and two behind the Irish, knowing that only two victories are likely to be enough for them to make it to France.
Northern Ireland – Ryan McLaughlin
Liverpool’s young full-back, who is currently on loan at Aberdeen, will help the Irish seal their first qualification for a major tournament since 1986. They take on Faroe Islands on Friday before meeting Hungary.
Serbia – Lazar Markovic
It’s been a desperately disappointing qualification for Serbia thus far. They currently sit bottom of their group, having gained just one point from their five games. To make matters worse, they were then deducted three, and now have minus two. They take on Armenia on Friday before playing France in a friendly on Monday.
Slovakia – Martin Skrtel
It’s been a brilliant qualification campaign for the Slovakians. They currently sit top of their group with six wins out of six. That unbeaten record will be challenged by defending champions Spain on Saturday, before a match with Ukraine on Tuesday. Skrtel and his fellow defenders have conceded just three times in qualification so far and will be hoping to keep that very impressive record going.
Wales – Danny Ward and Jordan Williams
This young duo – who are currently on loan at Aberdeen and Swindon respectively – watched from the sidelines on Thursday as Wales inched closer towards qualification with a win over Cyprus on Thursday. They’ll now be hoping to help inspire their fellow players to victory over Israel on Sunday.
Youngsters
Jordon Ibe and Joe Gomez featured for the England Under-21 side as they defeated USA 1-0 on Thursday. They will play again against Norway on Monday. Jordan Rossiter and Sheyi Ojo are set to feature for England’s Under-19 side, while Tiago Ilori will be playing for Portugal’s Under-21s.
