Jarell Quansah’s summer departure from Liverpool continues to look like a poor piece of business from Arne Slot.
The Reds chose to cash in on Quansah after reducing his minutes during last year’s Premier League-winning campaign.
With the 22-year-old keen to play more often, he left for Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool have a buy-back clause to re-sign Quansah, but that cannot be activated until 2027.
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In the meantime, the Liverpool academy graduate has begun to make his mark with the England national team.
Call-ups to the Three Lions’ squads are not new for Quansah, who has been around the group for more than one year.
On Sunday, however, the centre-back finally made his first England appearance, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over Albania. After the game, captain Harry Kane made it clear what he thought of Quansah’s debut performance.
Jarell Quansah and Jude Bellingham pictured during England's FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Albania
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Harry Kane hands Jarell Quansah his first cap
Quansah’s first cap for England has been a long time coming. In the end, it eventually arrived as a right-back.
While anyone who watched the youngster play at full-back for Liverpool may chuckle at such a thought, he looked assured and comfortable as he helped England to a straightforward win.
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Kane scored both the goals on the night, and as England showed with a video on their official X account, the Bayern Munich striker addressed Quansah in front of the whole playing and coaching staff in the changing room at full-time.
“Just before we finish, another debut cap. For Jarell, your first game today,” Kane said. “Amazing to have you as part of the squad.”
“Performance was top drawer from you, never easy coming in and making your debut especially away from home in a tough game where they want to perform, want to win. So, congratulations, clean sheet.”
After embracing Kane and collecting his first physical cap, Quansah spoke to the assembled England players about his pride at finally playing for his country.
Quansah pride at ‘greatest day’
Having broken through at Liverpool and gone on to do well for Leverkusen, Quansah deserved his England cap.
The defender has been a part of the Three Lions set-up in the under-age levels, and this was something he referenced while speaking to his national teammates.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool lines up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
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“First and foremost this is one of the greatest days of my life to be fair,” Quansah said, after receiving a hug from manager Thomas Tuchel.
“Being part of the group, perfect in qualifying, means a lot to me. I just want to thank all the coaching staff and the staff for giving me the opportunity and helping me out.
“Then obviously to you guys as well, seeing some of the lads I’ve won tournaments with and come up through the age groups with, and the senior experienced players as well, it’s a massive honour and I’m so grateful, thank you.”