Newcastle fans were frustrated watching West Brom midfielder feature for England.
A year in football makes a big difference, and Jake Livermore is testament to that.
This time last season he was playing in the Championship for Hull City, having made a return after a drugs ban which threatened his career.
Promotion with Hull was always the goal, but even in his wildest dreams he could not have envisioned to be featuring for England against Germany in 2017.
Germany’s Toni Kroos in action with England’s Jake Livermore
His success is in contrast to the fortunes of Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey, who represented England during the 2015/16 season, only to suffer relegation and then miss out on the European Championships squad.
Shelvey has been rebuilding in the Championship, helping Newcastle to the top of the league, scoring four goals and providing seven assists.
Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates
Last night Livermore started in midfield for England against Germany, only to end up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline.
It won’t be a game he remembers fondly for the result but the occasion was just reward for his recent performances since moving to West Bromwich Albion in January.
Livermore played all 90 minutes, but struggled to offer anything creatively, registering no shots at goal or any key passes as he lined up alongside Eric Dier in midfield.
To his credit he attempted four tackles and made three interceptions – each being the highest of any England player on the night.
It was not enough to impress watching Newcastle supporters, who bemoaned the fact he did not bring anything to the table offensively, and want to see their own star man Shelvey get another chance with the Three Lions instead…
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