Thomas Tuchel’s disdain for Liverpool reflects falling standards at Anfield

Liverpool’s dismal title defense and dramatic end to this season came at a cost as Thomas Tuchel ignored the English talent available at Anfield.

It feels like it symbolizes Liverpool’s rapid decline this season. And a damning reflection on how standards have fallen at one of the world’s biggest and proudest football clubs.

For the first time since 1986, England’s World Cup squad will not include a single Liverpool player. I have to say Liverpool are in good company.

In fact, Elite doesn’t even have a representative in Spain’s squad for this summer’s North American tournament, considering Real Madrid is the biggest on the planet.

Defenders Dean Huisen and Dani Carvajal were both absent. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted that Real’s reputation and playing in the match meant nothing to him.

So at least Liverpool can share their shame and embarrassment with their friends in high places. However, it is almost inconceivable that Liverpool’s influence would not be present in the Three Lions’ squad.

read more: Real Madrid focus on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement: ‘He didn’t live up to expectations’read more: Marcus Rashford’s three-word message makes his stance on transfer clear after being snubbed by Manchester United

Over the decades, some of the club’s greatest stars have been key cogs in the English wheel in major tournaments.

Steven Gerrard has won 114 caps and captained his country 38 times. He participated in the World Cup three times. Michael Owen announced his participation in the World Cup at France 98, and his goal against Argentina remains one of the most iconic moments in English football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold won 34 caps for Liverpool, Jordan Henderson 76, Glen Johnson 39 and Jamie Carragher 38.

Going back further, the likes of Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and Kevin Keegan were regulars in England when they played for Liverpool, as were Phil Neil, Phil Thompson and Ray Clemence.

Emmeline Hughes captained England and Liverpool, and Roger Hunt was part of the most famous team to win the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

Over the course of Liverpool’s history, 75 players have won 1,220 caps. Like Real, Liverpool also failed to win a silver medal this season. Like Real, Liverpool also failed in their title challenge.

England’s lack of need to call up Liverpool’s talent is not the reason the club disappeared domestically under Arne Slott this season.

But this decline is why Thomas Tuchel has not decided to capitalize on the former champion’s current talent, or lack thereof, he said.

Let’s be honest: Players like Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones shouldn’t even come close to representing England, much less heading overseas to conquer the world. Liverpool has had a strong presence in England throughout history and modern times.

However, the production line for international talent has come to a shuddering halt. That may not seem like one of the club’s biggest problems at the moment.

But it can and should still sting. Because this disrespect is humiliating for a club that prides itself on representing the game at the highest level. But for now, there is little to be proud of.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive daily Mirror Football content. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages

This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.

Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of them live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.