Joe Gomez Makes Emotionally Charged Return to England Squad
Joe Gomez recently made a triumphant return to St George’s Park with the England national team after a challenging period in his career. The Liverpool defender expressed relief and closure after being selected for Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of Euro 2024.
A Difficult Journey Back
Gomez’s return to the national team marks the end of a nearly four-year absence, during which he underwent surgery and faced a long recovery period due to a knee injury sustained during an England training session in November 2020.
Reflecting on his comeback, Gomez acknowledged the psychological impact of his injury, describing the emotional significance of returning to the same training pitch where the incident occurred. He expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates, manager, and staff in helping him navigate this challenging period.
Appreciation for the Opportunity
Having been a key player under Southgate during his time with the under-21s, Gomez values the opportunity to represent his country once again. He emphasized the privilege and pressure that come with playing for England, highlighting the importance of gratitude and perspective in his journey back to the national team.
Gomez praised Southgate for his support and individualized approach, noting the positive impact of reuniting with the manager who gave him his senior debut in 2017. He expressed joy at being back in the mix with the national team and shared his newfound appreciation for the experience after a period of longing to return to top-level competition.
As Gomez prepares to take the field for England in upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, he looks forward to embracing this new chapter in his career with renewed enthusiasm and determination.