Liverpool Stars Busy on International Duty During World Cup Qualifiers
Liverpool’s squad has been heavily represented during the current international break, with 17 first-team players called up to feature in World Cup qualifiers across the globe.
One of those is Conor Bradley, who has linked up with Northern Ireland as they continue their Group A campaign. His side will face Germany this weekend, setting up an intriguing battle between Bradley and his new Anfield teammate, Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz completed the full 90 minutes in Germany’s opening qualifier on Thursday but couldn’t find a breakthrough, leaving the four-time world champions in need of a response. Northern Ireland, by contrast, head into Sunday’s clash at the RheinEnergieStadion on top of the group following a 3-1 win over Luxembourg.
Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Bradley admitted he and Wirtz exchanged “a few jokes” before leaving Liverpool for international duty, joking that he might ask the German star to “take it easy” on his countrymen.
“Florian is an incredible player. I’ve seen that during pre-season and in training—he’s top quality. We’ll have to make sure we keep him quiet on Sunday,” Bradley said.
Germany’s pressure is compounded after a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, courtesy of goals from David Hancko and David Strelec.
Other Liverpool Players in Action
It’s been a busy international window for the rest of Jürgen Klopp’s squad:
- Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot in Egypt’s 2-0 win over Ethiopia.
- Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo all started for the Netherlands in their 1-1 draw with Poland.
- Andy Robertson helped Scotland to a goalless stalemate against Denmark.
- Ibrahima Konaté impressed in France’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine, while Hugo Ekitike featured off the bench.
- Alisson Becker kept a clean sheet in Brazil’s 3-0 win against Chile.
- Giorgi Mamardashvili endured a tough outing as Georgia were edged 3-2 by Turkey.
Meanwhile, several Reds were unused: Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) and Alexander Isak (Sweden) both remained on the bench, while Giovanni Leoni was left out of Italy’s squad altogether.
Still awaiting action this window are Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez, and Wataru Endo, who are due to feature when Hungary meet Ireland and Japan face Mexico later this weekend.
