Micah Richards reveals unusual theory why Liverpool star should not be in England squad

Micah Richards believes Jarrell Quansah would already be in the England squad had he not been playing alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant breakout campaign for Liverpool this season

He has made 26 appearances for the Reds this term - that coming after a campaign he spent on-loan with League One side Bristol Rovers.

Richards was asked if his displays are good enough to earn a spot in the England squad.

Richards

"He’s not played every single game and he probably wouldn’t be playing if other players were fit."

“I think the factor of playing alongside [Virgil] Van Dijk has obviously helped him.

"If it were say Quansah and Gomez, and he was playing at the same level, I’d probably agree that [he should be in England contention].

“He has been outstanding for a young player, especially in the Man City game where they had [Conor] Bradley at right-back, and he was playing at centre-back.

"He really showed his maturity in that game. But in terms of England, I think it’s a little bit early for him.”

Alan Shearer was also full of praise for the Liverpool defender.

Shearer added:

“I like him and I think he’s done really well. He struggled a bit in the first half [last weekend] when Brighton let him have a lot of the ball.

“But in the second-half, he more than grew into the game and was brilliant. He read it really, really well. Without a doubt, he’s got huge potential.

“To be thrown into the pressure cooker at Liverpool and the way it’s going at the minute, he’s obviously got a lot about him and he’s only going to get better.”