Joe Gomez is delighted to have the opportunity to turn the page on his near four-year exile from the England squad, admitting not being picked by his country took a “psychological toll”.
Gomez has not played for England in over three years, having suffered a serious knee injury in training while last on international duty in November 2020.
The defender ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee and missed the remainder of the 2020-21 season, subsequently falling down Gareth Southgate’s pecking order.
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Despite winning 11 senior caps, Gomez has never gone to an international tournament, with Conor Coady, Eric Dier and Ben White joining John Stones and Harry Maguire in the Three Lions’ 2022 World Cup squad.
The likes of Tyrone Mings, Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk have also represented England since Gomez’s last international outing, but he has been recalled for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium after impressing for Liverpool this season.
Speaking to reporters after England’s training session at St. George’s Park on Wednesday, Gomez opened up on the impact of his international exile and his relief at returning to the fray.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have a psychological toll,” Gomez said. “I left the training pitch in an ambulance. Yesterday, getting out in the warm-up, it was nice to close that chapter.
Down to work. 💪 PIC.TWITTER.COM/34KFXXHOMO
— England (@England) MARCH 19, 2024
“Leaving and not getting a chance to come back was tough to deal with. It’s nice to get back in the mix and close that chapter.
“At the time I was 22, being away for so long, naturally everyone gets older. You get a different outlook and perspective. I can understand there’s a lot going on. You’ve got to be grateful to be here.
“Gareth’s been good to me. I was with him all the way through the Under-21s and he picked me for my debut. Gareth’s great at keeping in touch and on an individual level.”
While Gomez expected to return to the England setup far sooner, he believes concentrating on his club form has allowed him to get back to his best.
Great to see you back with the #THREELIONS, @J_GOMEZ97! 😀 PIC.TWITTER.COM/HCGZLRSBTD
— England (@England) MARCH 19, 2024
“I was expecting to be back as soon as I was fit. It’s been tough in the past, I’ve never been to a major tournament,” he said.
“But I’ve always been at peace with the outcome. I’ve had to focus on where I am with the club.
“Naturally there were moments where I thought I had more chances than others. I believe everything happens for a reason at the right time. It’s been tough at times, but it’s nice to be back.
“It’s daunting enough to come back in. The group, the senior lads, the manager, the staff, they try to make the boys feel as comfortable as possible.”
