Gary Lineker and Micah Richards agree on why Harvey Elliott isn't in England contention
Micah Richards and Gary Lineker believes Harvey Elliott is being snubbed by England because Gareth Southgate sees him as an attacker and not a midfielder.
Elliott does not appear to be in consideration for the Euro 2024 squad as Southgate appears to prefer 18-year-old Manchester United starter Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is also considered to be a late contender for the squad.
After Elliott scored a wonderful goal in the Reds' 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, Jurgen Klopp admitted he regrets not giving the 21-year-old more minutes this season. Despite the glowing praise, Elliott's chances of breaking into the England squad are slim. When asked why the ex-Fulham youngster has not been considered, Richards and Lineker believe it's because he is competing against the Three Lions' forwards instead of the midfielders.
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“Southgate was the England U21 manager and he has brought players through the U21s,” Richards said on the ‘Rest is Football’ podcast. “I think the reason why he has not been mentioned is, because when he is playing for Liverpool, he has been in attacking positions.
“He’s up against Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, the list goes on. That’s the only reason, but his quality is there. I think he’s fantastic."
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Southgate has already given two senior caps to Mainoo. The youngster came off the bench to make his Three Lions' debut against Brazil in the last international break, before starting against Belgium in the proceeding match.
Wharton has also impressed since his £18million move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers. Southgate watched both young stars play against each other at Selhurst Park in Palace's 4-0 victory over United.
After one viewer of the podcast asked why the two midfield teenagers appear to be ahead of Elliott in the pecking order, Lineker claimed it's because they are more defence orientated rather than attacking.
“Mainoo and Wharton have been mentioned,” Lineker replied. “But I think the reason why they have been mentioned is because that is a holding player role, where England are, perhaps, a little bit short."
Elliott has contributed four goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season. Southgate will name a provisional Three Lions squad on May 21, two days after the end of the Premier League season.
While Elliott is yet to play for the senior team, he has racked up 20 appearances for the Three Lions U21s side, contributing eight goals in 20 appearances under Lee Carsley.