Why Liverpool fans will be relieved after Gareth Southgate's England Euro 2024 update

The start of Euro 2024 is rapidly approaching and managers are finalising their squads ahead of the highly-anticipated tournament. Reigning champions Italy will look to hold onto their crown, hosts and three-time winners Germany will feel anything but a trophy win on home soil will be a disappointment, while England are on a revenge tour after their 2021 heartbreak.

International football is always an entertaining occasion to observe, and that’s before a ball is even kicked. The diehard fans never fail to show up with their hair dyed, faces painted and premature-often-later-regretted optimistic tattoos. Casual supporters otherwise totally uninterested in football jump at the chance to soak up the atmosphere at local gatherings, learn the chants and pretend they aren’t mad when they get soaked with beer during celebrations.

For many, tournaments like the Euros are completely dominated by feelings of hope, excitement and pride. For others, there is general disinterest and often anxiety as they worry for the fitness of those called up from their club. It’s hardly an unreasonable concern either, plenty of players over the years have been ruled out of their domestic seasons for significant periods due to injury. This is one of Liverpool fans’ gripes with the international break.

With their homegrown talent shining throughout recent seasons, Gareth Southgate has turned his attention to Anfield to give the likes of Curtis Jones call-ups to camp. Trent Alexander-Arnold has also become a regular and has been shining in midfield, as opposed to his usual role at right-back.

Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad featured the Liverpool vice-captain, as well as his fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, plus Jones. With a tough ask ahead of him to significantly cut down this team, the England boss has axed Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison, along with Reds duo Jones and Quansah.

The 53-year-old has made some tricky decisions this week and a lot of them have ruffled the feathers of fans. As well as the first trio headed home, the manager has also cut Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford.

While Southgate could take some chances on lesser experienced players like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, there’s a lot on the line for the Three Lions this summer. England are gunning for the title they missed out on last time and having been named the favourites to bring football home, there’s a lot of pressure on their shoulders.

Jones and Quansah being snubbed of a final spot for Euro 2024 is far from the most surprising news Liverpool fans will learn this year and from a selfish point of view, it’s probably a blessing in disguise. If both Alexander-Arnold and Gomez make the cut, supporters will still be praying they come out of the tournament unscathed but the longer England last in the competition, the less time the duo will have to rest before Liverpool’s preseason.

The Reds are entering a significant period of change following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. Arne Slot will take the reins for his first season in charge at Anfield and with the transfer window looming, Liverpool could also be in for a busy period of new incomings and outgoings.

Euro 2024 will allow Slot a perfect period to watch his new players in action, and Jones and Quansah could feel denied a chance to impress him. However, with preseason right after the Euros final, those who have rested during the summer as opposed to giving their all on the international stage will almost certainly be in a better position to hit the ground running.

Both Jones and Quansah have positions to fight for, too. While the latter enjoyed 13 Premier League starts last season, he spent a large chunk of the season on the bench as Joël Matip and Ibrahima Konaté were the main choices to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.

There’s no denying Quansah stepped up and impressed, as did Jones with his efforts in midfield, but no one’s spot is safer under new management. Before we even consider who Liverpool could sign this summer, Slot may already be planning some radical rotations for his debut season. Every player planning to be at Anfield beyond the transfer window will need to put their best foot forward and impress the boss and his new team.