Joe Gomez will undergo further observation with the England camp after suffering an ankle injury in Friday’s win over the Netherlands.
The Liverpool defender hobbled off after just 10 minutes having landed uncomfortably from an aerial challenge, subsequently being replaced by Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.
It brought a premature end to another start at senior level and another opportunity for Gomez to impress in his favoured central defensive role.
Manager Gareth Southgate was initially unnerved by the 20-year-old’s impact with the ground, with ligament damage surfacing as a potential consequence.
Gomez has since been cleared to stay put with the England squad, serving as slight encouragement after Jack Wilshere’s withdrawal as a result of a knee problem.
“Joe Gomez remains with the squad for further assessment following his 10th-minute withdrawal from last night’s win over the Netherlands,” an FA statement read.
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An accomplished campaign in Gomez’s development has put him in surprise contention to earn a spot on the plane to Russia this summer.
Plying his trade primarily as a right-back under Jurgen Klopp, whilst not being his preferred position, has helped him exhibit the composure and ability on the ball that Southgate is keen to inject into his defence.
This has been evident through the Three Lions boss’ recent use of the former Charlton man as well as notable ball-playing centre-backs in John Stones and Harry Maguire, not to mention the experimental shift of Kyle Walker to a central role on Friday night.
Let’s hope he can get himself fit again for a defining stage in Liverpool’s season and a World Cup he stands a strong chance of featuring in.