Image Credits: Imago Images
It’s been a memorable week for Liverpool players on the international stage, with several Reds securing their tickets to the 2026 World Cup across various qualifying campaigns.
The club can now boast a significant representation at next summer’s tournament in North America.
France duo Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike both featured in Les Bleus’ 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan on Sunday, with Konate captaining the side as France wrapped up their qualifying campaign.
Though already qualified prior to the match, the pair played the full 90 minutes.
Liverpool’s Dutch contingent played helped the Netherlands secure qualification with a commanding 4-0 win over Lithuania on Monday night.
Virgil Van Dijk made history by becoming the most-capped captain in Dutch football history, while Cody Gakpo scored from the penalty spot and added an assist.
Florian Wirtz also qualified, starring for Germany in their emphatic 6-0 victory over Slovakia.
However, joy of Scotland’s historic World Cup qualification on Tuesday night was spoiled for Ben Gannon-Doak.
The former Liverpool academy product, now at Bournemouth, had begun his evening in spectacular fashion, providing the assist for Scott McTominay’s stunning opening goal just three minutes into Tuesday’s crucial clash at Hampden Park.
However, the 20-year-old’s evening came to a sudden, painful end when he pulled up clutching his hamstring in the 21st minute, signaling immediate distress on the pitch.
Gannon-Doak was stretchered off the field in tears, unable to continue on what should have been one of the most thrilling nights of his fledgling career.
He will now head back to Bournemouth, where the club’s medical staff will evaluate the extent of his injury before a jam-packed festive fixture schedule.
The 20-year-old made his switch to the Vitality Stadium over the summer, moving from Merseyside to the south coast club in a £25 million transfer.
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