Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has lifted the lid on his pain and disappointment at missing out on a place in England's World Cup squad over the summer after bullishly playing through an injury in the latter stages of last season.
Gomez was in line to go to Russia as part of Gareth Southgate's team after being named Man of the Match against Brazil last November and being called up again in March. But he suffered an ankle injury against the Netherlands and made his return for Liverpool before he was ready.
The youngster had been forced to miss games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Bournemouth.