����ý

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah says he feels like he belongs at the highest level after earning his maiden England call-up.

Quansah, 21, had his breakthrough season at Anfield during the last campaign and was called into Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024 but was ultimately cut just before the tournament began.

But that recognition, he says, and his involvement under new manager Arne Slot during two pre-season wins against Arsenal and Real Betis, have given the central defender a belief that he is part of the future on Merseyside.

“There’s a realisation that I’m capable of playing at the level and I can kick on so much better,” he said of his breakthrough season at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

“[It’s] never an imposter [syndrome], no, ever anything like that. For me, I’ve always wanted to be a starting centre-back for Liverpool so it’s never been I’ve landed here [without deserving it].

“You’ve all seen it as the last year, but I’ve been working 16 years at Liverpool, grafting away which you probably don’t see. That’s always been my goal, that’s always been the plan.

“I’m still young, there’s a lot to improve on. That’s the best thing about it, I know I can be good at times but there’s so much potential and I need to keep working hard to fulfil it.”

He added about his England call up: “It was really good, couldn’t thank Gareth enough for that opportunity. Just to be around the best players in the country and get that recognition of the season I’ve had was good experience of me.

“Just getting recognised around England, which is recognition of how well I’m doing, to see I’ve got so many fans and people who idolise me. That’s always a good thing.”

Quansah is expected to start again when Liverpool face Manchester United in Columbia in their final pre-season game on Saturday evening.