Thomas Tuchel didn't pick a single England player in his squad for the World Cup, marking a historic first since 1986. This omission feels symbolic of Liverpool's rapid decline this season and a damning reflection of how standards have slipped at one of the world's biggest and proudest football clubs.
For the first time in 38 years, England's squad heading to the World Cup will not include a Liverpool player. Liverpool, it must be said, are in good company—elite company, in fact, considering Real Madrid, the biggest club on the planet, also has no representation in the Spanish squad for this summer's tournament in North America. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both left out, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitting Real's reputation meant nothing to him.
So Liverpool at least share their shame and embarrassment with friends in high places. But the absence of Liverpool's influence in the Three Lions squad is almost unthinkable. Down the decades, some of the club's greatest stars have been major cogs in the English wheel at major tournaments. Steven Gerrard won 114 caps and captained his country 38 times, attending three World Cups. Michael Owen announced himself to the world at France 98 with his iconic goal against Argentina. Trent Alexander-Arnold earned 34 caps for Liverpool, Jordan Henderson 76, Glen Johnson 39, and Jamie Carragher 38. Going further back, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Kevin Keegan, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, and Ray Clemence were England regulars while playing for Liverpool. Emlyn Hughes captained both England and Liverpool, and Roger Hunt was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
In history, 75 Liverpool players have earned 1,220 caps between them. Like Real, Liverpool failed to win silverware this season and failed to challenge for the title. England not needing to call on Liverpool talent is not the reason for the club's domestic demise under Arne Slot this season, but said decline is precisely why Thomas Tuchel didn't tap into the current talent—or lack thereof—at the former champions.
Let's be honest: the likes of Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones shouldn't even be close to an England squad, let alone one heading abroad to conquer the world. Liverpool have carried a strong England presence throughout history and across the modern era, but the production line of international talent has come to a shuddering stop. This might not feel like one of the club's biggest problems right now, but it will still sting—and it should. The snub is humiliating to a club that prides itself on representing the highest level of the game but currently has little to be proud of.
