Liverpool's pitiful title defence and dramatic demise this season has come at a cost, in terms of Thomas Tuchel snubbing the English talent available at Anfield
Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel didn't pick a single England player in his squad for the World Cup(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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It feels symbolic of Liverpool's rapid decline this season. And a damning reflection of how standards have slipped at one of the world's biggest and proudest football clubs.
For the first time since 1986, England's squad heading to the World Cup will not have a single Liverpool player in it. Liverpool, it has to be said, are in good company.
Elite, in fact, considering Real Madrid, the biggest one on the planet, also has no representation in the Spanish squad for this summer's tournament in North America.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were both left out. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted Real's reputation and standing in the game meant nothing to him.
So at least Liverpool get to share their shame and embarrassment with some friends in high places. But the absence of Liverpool's influence in the Three Lions squad is almost unthinkable.
Down the decades, some of the club's greatest stars have been major cogs in the English wheel at major tournaments.
Steven Gerrard won 114 caps and captained his country 38 times. He went to three World Cups. Michael Owen announced himself to the world game at France 98, when his goal against Argentina remains on of English football's most iconic moments.
Trent Alexander-Arnold won 34 caps on behalf of Liverpool, Jordan Henderson 76, Glen Johnson 39 and Jamie Carragher 38.
Going further back, the likes of Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and Kevin Keegan were England regulars while playing for Liverpool, as were Phil Neal, Phil Thompson and Ray Clemence.
Steven Gerrard had the armband for the Three Lions in 2014
Steven Gerrard had the armband for the Three Lions in 2014
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While Emilyn Hughes captained England as well as Liverpool, and Roger Hunt was part of the most famous squad of all, which won the World Cup in 1966 on home soil.
In history, 75 Liverpool players have earned 1,220 caps between them. Like Real, Liverpool failed to win silverware this season. Like Real, Liverpool failed to challenge for the title.
England not needing to call on Liverpool talent, is not the reason for the club's domestic demise under Arne Slot this season.
But said decline is precisely the reason why Thomas Tuchel didn't decide to tap into the current talent, or lack of it, at the former champions.
Curtis Jones.
Curtis Jones missed out on the England squad(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Let's be honest, the likes of Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones shouldn't even be close to an England squad at all - let alone one heading abroad in a bid to conquer the world. Liverpool have carried a strong England presence throughout history and across the modern era.
But the production line of international talent has come to a shuddering stop. Which might not feel like one of the club's biggest problems right now.
But it will still sting - and it should do. Because the snub is humiliating to a club which prides itself on representing the highest level of the game. But right now, has little to be proud of.
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