West Brom’s Jake Livermore has been called up by England.
West Bromwich Albion’s Jake Livermore in action
Gareth Southgate has announced his first England squad since winning the job on a permanent basis – and one decision has really raised eyebrows.
Southgate won the job full time having impressed during an interim stint following Sam Allardyce’s acrimonious exit, and he is now preparing for games against Germany and Lithuania this month.
Southgate sprung some surprises with his squad selection, handing places to Manchester United’s Luke Shaw despite a lack of football, whilst Southampton duo James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond are also included.
However, the decision to receive the most criticism concerns Jake Livermore, as the West Bromwich Albion midfielder was surprisingly handed a place in Southgate’s squad.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong first half of the season with Hull City, earning himself a big January move to West Brom, where he has established himself under Tony Pulis.
Livermore could now earn his first cap since 2012, and whilst it’s a great story for Livermore to get his career back on track, not everybody is quite so impressed to see him named in the squad.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks takes a shot at goal against Stoke City
Tottenham fans have seen Harry Winks blossom this season, becoming a favourite of Mauricio Pochettino whilst emerging as one of the top young English talents around.
A creative midfield player, Winks is very different to the more physical Livermore, but Spurs fans on Twitter simply couldn’t believe that Livermore – sold by Spurs in 2014 – was handed a spot in the squad ahead of 21-year-old Winks, who could be the future of the England midfield.
Would you have liked to see Winks in the England squad?
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