Joe Gomez could earn himself a place in the England squad for this month’s international break as manager Gareth Southgate battles injury problems with defensive options.

Southgate will announce his squad for England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on Thursday, outlining his thinking as to who may make the cut for Euro 2024.

With full-back injuries racking up, Liverpool’s Gomez has been tipped by multiple reports to see a recall to the squad – Reece James, Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell are all ruled out through injury. Goalkeeper Jack Butland is also expected to be named in the squad after resurrecting his club career. Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could also be included for the first time, although this squad comes too for Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo.

Gomez’s versatility has caught the eye of Southgate, who is in desperate need of reliable players. The 26-year-old has been impressive across four different positions for Liverpool this season – centre-back, central midfield, right-back and left-back.

However his last game for England was the 3-0 friendly win over Wales back in November 2020, meaning it would be the first time in well over three years he has sported the nation’s jersey were he to get on the pitch in either upcoming game.

Southgate is set to name his squad for the two friendlies at 2pm (GMT) on 14 March.

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