England reward Liverpool youth duo as new announcement emerges
Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday, as they were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds somehow headed into the second leg of their last 16 tie at Anfield with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of last week’s victory in Paris.
Liverpool’s luck was out in the return leg though, when they were beaten 1-0 by PSG, meaning that the aggregate score was level at 1-1, beckoning extra time and a penalty shootout.
Neither side found a winner during extra time, but Luis Enrique’s side progressed to the quarter-finals via a 4-1 win in the penalty shootout.
As the senior squad lick their wounds, the younger diamonds at Anfield receive better news.
Liverpool duo called up to England’s Elite League squad
The Reds’ premature exit from the Champions League can be viewed as somewhat of an anomaly during an otherwise successful campaign, as Slot’s men sit top of the Premier League with a handsome 15-point lead over second place Arsenal.
| Premier League table (Top two) | Games played | Points |
| 1 Liverpool | 29 | 70 |
| 2 Arsenal | 28 | 55 |
Meanwhile, academy duo James McConnell and Trey Nyoni have been rewarded for their efforts this term with call-ups to the England Elite League Squad, formally known as the under-20s.
Nyoni has made five senior appearances for Liverpool this term, with two appearances arriving in each of the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as a further outing in the Champions League.
The 17-year-old notched an assist during his side’s 4-0 victory over League Two Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round back in January.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old McConnell has made four outings for the Reds this season, making one appearance in both the Champions League and League Cup, as well as featuring in two FA Cup games.
Liverpool will look to win their first silverware of the campaign on Sunday
The Reds will be disappointed that their Champions League campaign ended in penalty shootout heartache at the round of 16 stage, when they were vying to lift European club football’s top prize for a seventh time.
However, all is not lost for a Liverpool side who are certain to lift the Premier League title come May, as they have an unassailable lead over Arsenal in the title race.
Meanwhile, Slot’s men are also competing against Newcastle in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, and will look to lift their first silverware of the season at Wembley.
Newcastle will be without one of their star men, Anthony Gordon, after picking up a red card in the recent FA Cup defeat to Brighton at St James’ Park.
The absence of Gordon will mean that Eddie Howe’s side will boast less of a threat against Liverpool than they would like, which is a clear boost for the Reds.