How England would line up under Jurgen Klopp

  • Klopp linked as potential Gareth Southgate replacement
  • Former Liverpool boss departed Anfield after nine years at the helm
  • Analysing how his tactics would work for England
Klopp could lead England to victory
Klopp could lead England to victory / Joe Prior/Visionhaus | James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images
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With England continuing their hunt for a new manager to replace Gareth Southgate, fans have pointed directly to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

There would be no complaints of boring football with the German in charge, and who better to lead the England side than someone who has spent countless years making waves in the Premier League - especially considering he is now out of work.

If he is to be named as England boss, here's how Klopp may line up the squad.


GK: Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale
Klopp would prefer a keeper like Ramsdale / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

Good news Aaron Ramsdale, you're back in the starting lineup! The Arsenal star has endured a tough season, losing his place at club level to new signing David Raya before spending the summer in Germany glued to the bench.

But with Klopp at the helm, Ramsdale may finally get the chance to shine, with the German preferring a goalkeeper of his calibre. Jordan Pickford is a bit of a Liverpool enemy after that unforgettable challenge on Virgil van Dijk in 2020 and Klopp may not be willing to let that slide just yet.

Ramsdale is better with his feet, something that Klopp will undoubtedly admire. Pack your bags Aaron, you're on the plane.


RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Klopp would play Trent in defence / Richard Pelham/GettyImages

Trent Alexander-Arnold's midfield experiment didn't work for England, so let's get him in that right-back position.

Klopp knows just how good this player is, and he would have no problem reinventing his England career on the international stage. He's a creative player who has been moulded into just the kind of asset that Klopp can utilise.

When in possession, he can move more into that hybrid midfielder role. He demands a spot in this team.


CB: Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah
Quansah makes the backline / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages

As he does for Liverpool, Jarell Quansah earns a spot in the backline next to Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds star was selected as part of Southgate's initial squad for the tournament in Germany, but failed to qualify for the final Euro 2024 selection. Have no fear, Quansah earns a spot in this team, and he's even being promoted to a starting centre-back.

He's a talented, right-footed player who is able to facilitate long passes to keep the game moving. Quansah would work well in the England lineup, helping to keep possession and put pressure on opponents.


CB: Marc Guehi

Marc Guéhi
Guehi impressed at Euro 2024 / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Jurgen Klopp knows talent when he sees it, and after Marc Guehi's performance at Euro 2024, he has earned himself a spot in this starting lineup.

Liverpool have actually been linked with the defender previously, and so here we'd be given a chance to see how the Crystal Palace star could link up with some of Anfield's best defenders.

Guehi's composure stands out among his plethora of skills, and with Klopp in charge, he could become one of the greatest leaders on the pitch.


LB: Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez
Gomez gains the left-back spot / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Welcome Joe Gomez, the man to end England's left-back crisis.

Klopp has proven to have no issue in choosing a right-footer to play on the left, and Gomez may just be the reliable answer to cover the left side of defence.

Gomez was another player who was forced to watch England's Euro charge from the bench, despite being a good option to replace the injured Luke Shaw when Kieran Trippier lacked the fitness to play.

He may not be everyone's favourite choice, but under Klopp he will receive that left-back spot.


DM: Declan Rice

Declan Rice
Rice remains in the squad / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Declan Rice keeps his spot in midfield. Any dispute to this is wrong. Sorry, we don't make the rules.

With Klopp keen on a 4-3-3 formation, Rice could occupy the role that Fabinho often did so well, sitting at the base of that midfield three. Fabinho's reading of the game was regularly the subject of praise, and in this role, Rice would be able to prove his footballing IQ also.

When at Liverpool, coming up against Rice was never fun for Klopp. But having him on his side is an outcome he would much prefer.


CM: Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo can control the game / BSR Agency/GettyImages

Throw Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and he will control the game with his excellent ball control. He can navigate through spaces and become the chance creator that England so desperately need.

Mainoo would suit Klopp's style of play, utilising his forward-thinking, fast-acting skills to speed up games. Pairing him alongside Rice in midfield would be a dream, and England fans will be desperate to see this duo back in action again.

Klopp, you know what to do.


CM: Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher
Gallagher makes up the midfield / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson - the two are pretty interchangeable. Klopp would love someone like Gallagher in midfield, reinventing the player he had with Henderson.

It's the work rate of the Chelsea man that would drive his selection, let alone his ability to read games. He has endless energy, and therefore is a constant threat on the pitch.

England play fast, proactive football when Gallagher is on the pitch, and in this midfield three he would thrive.


RW: Jarrod Bowen

Jarrod Bowen
Bowen's on fire / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages

Jurgen Klopp has previously called Jarrod Bowen his favourite player, so it's pretty safe to say he'd earn a spot under the German.

Bowen boasts an incredible ability to carry the ball, while winning fouls in dangerous attacking areas. He can create magic from both open play and set-pieces - making him a formidable force in advancing play.

With Klopp in charge, not only will football come home, but Bowen will be on fire.


ST: Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham
Bellingham will lead the attack / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Jude Bellingham will sit in front of the midfield three, relishing the chance to shine as England's top striker. Stick him in as a number nine and he will replicate the magic that Roberto Firmino used to create for Liverpool.

Bellingham will have the chance to drop deep, while also showing his ability to play further up the pitch like he does for Real Madrid.

With England success under his belt, Bellingham really would be unstoppable.


LW: Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon
Gordon finished Klopp's squad / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

Anthony Gordon would provide pace, goal threat and success for England. Welcome to the team.

The lifelong Liverpool fan would love the chance to play under Klopp, and would do everything in his power to impress the legendary boss. Personal connections aside, Gordon would be outstanding on the left, matching the pace that England need if they are to play attacking football.

There'll be no bench warming for this star with Klopp in charge - he'll become an integral member of the squad.


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