Curtis Jones may not be as recognized for his pressing abilities as Dominik Szoboszlai or as physically commanding as Ryan Gravenberch, but the Liverpool midfielder is poised to be an essential player for head coach Arne Slot in the upcoming months. Despite his significant contributions, Jones has once again been overlooked for the England squad as they prepare for the November international break.
Jones had a brief but impactful stint with the national team under Thomas Tuchel, where he started the first three matches, impressively scoring on his debut against Greece. However, since that initial success, he has not received another call-up. The recent announcement of the latest Three Lions squad highlighted his absence, especially in a context where Bournemouth’s Alex Scott was chosen instead. While Scott has performed admirably and players like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson are in form, many believe Jones deserves a place in the squad and should be considered for a starting role.
With key players like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham occupying central midfield positions, Jones brings unique skills that could benefit England in maintaining possession and advancing the ball during matches. His performing ability will likely be showcased when Liverpool face Manchester City this weekend, where he had a notable outing last season at the Etihad Stadium.
Though his playing style can sometimes lead to criticism regarding a perceived unwillingness to quickly release the ball, this composure is crucial during high-stakes games. Curiously, his absence from the England squad could turn into an advantage for Liverpool, as it allows him to rest rather than travel for international fixtures against Serbia or Albania.
As Liverpool gears up for an intense schedule in the coming months, Jones’s versatility will be invaluable. He is capable of stepping in across various midfield positions, providing much-needed depth, particularly as Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Gravenberch will not be able to play every match.
Head coach Arne Slot has recognized Jones’s growth, noting how his playing time has increased significantly during his tenure. This suggests that while England may be missing out on his talents right now, Liverpool could very well benefit from his skills and readiness to contribute in this busy period. As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Jones can capitalize on this opportunity and solidify his importance in Liverpool’s midfield.