Liverpool had lined up a free transfer for German striker Max Kruse in 2019, only for the heroics of Divock Origi to see them pull out of a deal.

The 2018/19 campaign was a standout one for Jurgen Klopp‘s long-standing front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who netted 69 goals between them.

But it was ultimately defined by the goals of a player who only spent 669 minutes on the pitch over the course of the entire season.

Origi returned from a quiet loan spell with VfL Wolfsburg and, turning down a move to Wolves, settled back into the squad on Merseyside, going on to score seven times including an iconic brace against Barcelona.

His second in that Champions League semi-final second leg ultimately changed the course of not only his future, but also that of Kruse, who has recalled the events, as quoted En Son Haber.

“We had been on the phone with Jurgen Klopp since February,” he explained, with a free transfer from Werder Bremen lined up.

“It was like I was transferred to Liverpool, only the signature was missing. It would be the pinnacle of my career.

“However, things developed very differently.”

Kruse added: “The duo of Sturridge and Origi was going to be sold, I was going to sign. That was their plan.

“Then Origi started scoring many goals in the last part of the season. The club changed its mind after these goals.”

It had been reported during the second half of the season that Liverpool were among the clubs pursuing Kruse, with Daniel Sturridge‘s own contract set to expire.

But as the now 34-year-old continued to detail, Origi’s upturn in form prompted him to be let down gently by Klopp himself.

“Jurgen called me [and said]: ‘Sorry Max. The decision is to keep Origi. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to sign you’,” Kruse said.

“My transfer to Liverpool didn’t happen at the last minute. I was very upset.”

Kruse eventually joined Fenerbahce, only for a dispute over unpaid wages seeing him leave his contract early, after which he headed back to the Bundesliga with Union Berlin.

A return to Bremen followed in January of this year, only for his deal to be mutually terminated at the end of November after a disagreement with manager Niko Kovac.

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that Kruse could feel bitter about the last-minute collapse of his switch to Liverpool – though it may point to a bullet dodged for the Reds.

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The scoreline may not have reflected the overall balance of the match, but it was pretty easy going for Kylian Mbappé and France in the round of 16 against Poland at the World Cup.

Not only did the game ensure qualification into the next round, it was also a match in which Mbappé completely dominated, involved in all three of France's goals and providing a constant threat up front. Having scored five goals at the tournament, he has now surely cemented his name as one of the best in the world at the moment, and the game against Poland was of historical significance in terms of that endeavour as well.

Mbappé's second goal means he now has nine goals at the World Cup before his 24th birthday. That's more than anyone has ever scored at the same age, with the 23-year-old beating Brazilian legend Pele's record.

READ MORE: Liverpool should soon get major Trent Alexander-Arnold boost as Kylian Mbappé point overlooked

READ MORE: Two new names linked with Liverpool transfers as £34m duo 'emerge as Jürgen Klopp targets'

The goal that broke the record not only served as a reminder of one of the best in the world, it could also serve as a reminder for Liverpool in the transfer market.

With Marcus Thuram registering the assist for Mbappé, the Reds should have been sent a reminder of an ideal solution in the transfer market in order to bolster Jürgen Klopp's attacking options in the summer.

Thuram's contract expires at the end of the season and he is free to negotiate with clubs as early as January. The World Cup has provided him with an ideal platform to demonstrate his skills ahead of next month.

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Having featured as a substitute in three of France's games so far, Thuram's assist against Poland was his first goal contribution in the tournament. His ability to cause havoc in the limited time given to him displayed the devastating impact he could have at Liverpool, with Thuram using his speed and power to capitalise on the Polish defence's rugged legs.

The 25-year-old's direct nature combined with his versatility would make him a valuable asset at Anfield. Thuram already possesses the quintessential traits for a Liverpool attacker and he is at the right age to provide a bit of rejuvenation in the squad.

Considering the future of Roberto Firmino, who also has a contract expiring at the end of the season, Thuram presents the perfect solution for Liverpool. The club's recruitment team are unlikely to find another forward who has 17 goal contributions in 17 games for his club side this season and who is available on a free transfer — let alone one who is making a mark alongside Mbappé on the world's biggest stage for one of the tournament favourites.

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With the January transfer window just around the corner, Liverpool will be linked with a flurry of players. Some will be old names familiar to Reds’ fans; others will be fresh names, which may not be familiar at all to many.

Here at Liverpool.com, we will give you a complete run-down of the new names to be connected with a move to Liverpool (so don’t expect Jude Bellingham to appear on this list!).

AntónioSilva (Benfica)

The Portuguese defender has highly impressed at Benfica, and Jürgen Klopp would be wise to take a look at him. Silva is only 19 and has played in World Cup match already, against South Korea in the 2-1 loss.

Silva has been valued at €15m (£12.9m/$15.8m) by Transfermarkt.

Linked by: A Bola.

Read more about him: How Liverpool could copy Manchester City's move for teenage defender Silva.

Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

The Real Madrid winger’s contract is expiring at the end of the season and the thought of Liverpool being able to sign someone like Asensio, with his vast experience, on a free transfer should no doubt be appealing to Jürgen Klopp.

Asensio has already won a bagful of honours in his time with Los Blancos. The forward, 26, is valued at €25m (£21m/$26m) by Transfermarkt.

Linked by: Diario Madridista.

Read more about him: Why the time might finally be right for Liverpool to make a move for Asensio.

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Three of Liverpool's Premier League fixtures in February have been rescheduled.

See the updated details for the meetings with Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace below.

• Liverpool v Everton – Monday February 13, 8pm GMT
• Newcastle v Liverpool – Saturday February 18, 5.30pm GMT
• Palace v Liverpool – Saturday February 25, 7.45pm GMT**

All three games will be broadcast live by Sky Sports in the UK.

**This match is subject to participation in the Carabao Cup final. If Liverpool do not progress to the Carabao Cup fifth round and Bournemouth/Manchester City are involved in the final, Palace v Liverpool will move to a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday February 25.

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Three of Liverpool's Premier League fixtures in February have been rescheduled.

Liverpool have confirmed their initial 33-man squad for this month’s training camp in Dubai, which will include friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan.

The majority of the Reds squad flew to Dubai on Monday afternoon, with others already stationed out in the United Arab Emirates following their time off.

Jurgen Klopp will use the time away, which will be around two weeks, to focus on preparations for the second half of the campaign.

That will see rigorous training and clashes with Lyon (Dec 11) and AC Milan (Dec 16) in the Dubai Super Cup.

While six players are still at the World Cup, Klopp has been able to call upon a strong squad, with 33 players meeting on Monday and one more to follow.

Thiago, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Roberto Firmino, Harvey Elliott and the fit-again duo of Joel Matip and Luis Diaz are among those to have arrived.

The club’s official website notes that Diaz, along with Diogo Jota, Naby Keita and Arthur, is due to “work on individual rehabilitation,” but it had been previously reported that he is set to join team training.

Joining the senior players at the camp are a number of youngsters, including loanee Marcelo Pitaluga and long-term absentee Kaide Gordon, who will also work on their recovery.

Exciting winger Ben Doak made the plane, along with the likes of Bobby Clark, Melkamu Frauendorf and Layton Stewart, who were all involved in the Carabao Cup win over Derby last month.

Darwin Nunez is due to resume training next week, with Uruguay having already been knocked out of the World Cup.

Alisson, Fabinho, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will rejoin the squad at a later date.

Liverpool squad in Dubai

Goalkeepers: Kelleher, Adrian, Davies, Mrozek, Pitaluga*

Defenders: Gomez, Matip, Phillips, Quansah, Robertson, Tsimikas, Ramsay, Chambers

Midfielders: Thiago, Elliott, Milner, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita*, Bajcetic, Arthur*, Cain, Corness

Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Nunez**, Firmino, Jota*, Carvalho, Gordon*, Clark, Doak, Frauendorf, Stewart

* Injured
** To join next week

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As the World Cup churns through its games, the tournament comes closer to its finish line. That means a return to club football is drawing nearer, and Liverpool will be back in action.

The Reds, of course, will be flying out to Dubai soon for some friendly games to prepare for the second half of the season. Some players will be absent due to their ongoing involvement in the World Cup, but most of the main squad will be there.

Liverpool have two games lined up against Lyon and Milan, and as players return from the World Cup, they will likely enter the training camp later than others. Players like Arthur and Diogo Jota will make the journey as part of the travelling squad, continuing their injury rehabilitation in new surroundings.

READ MORE: Saudi-Qatar 'to make £4bn joint offer for Liverpool' as Virgil van Dijk aims 'brutal Man United dig'

READ MORE: Liverpool know Darwin Núñez truth as £66m transfer links no longer add up

So who will go to Dubai, and who won't? Liverpool have confirmed the squad.

Goalkeepers:

Caoimhin Kelleher

Adrián

Harvey Davies

Fabian Mrozek

Marcelo Pitaluga

Defenders:

Joe Gomez

Andy Robertson

Joël Matip

Kostas Tsimikas

Calvin Ramsay

Nat Philips

Jarell Quansah

Luke Chambers

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Midfielders:

Thiago Alcântara

Harvey Elliott

James Milner

Curtis Jones

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arthur (injured)

Naby Keïta

Stefan Bajčetić

Jake Cain

Dominic Corness

Forwards:

Mohamed Salah

Roberto Firmino

Luis Díaz

Diogo Jota (injured)

Fábio Carvalho

Bobby Clark

Kaide Gordon (injured)

Melkamu Frauendorf

Layton Stewart

Ben Doak

Darwin Núñez is scheduled to arrive next week, following Uruguay's elimination from the World Cup.

GO DEEPER: Jürgen Klopp luxury about to be restored as Liverpool set for triple boost before Dubai trip

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Liverpool have named an initial 33-man squad for their training camp in Dubai.

The Reds departed for the United Arab Emirates on Monday afternoon, where they will begin preparations for the second half of the season.

The travelling party includes Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo, who will continue to work on their individual rehabilitation programmes from their respective injuries.

Liverpool will face Olympique Lyonnais and AC Milan in two matches in the Dubai Super Cup – with both to be shown live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO – before they return to Merseyside ahead of the Carabao Cup tie with Manchester City on December 22.

Players currently participating in the World Cup will rejoin the squad at later dates, with Darwin Nunez set to arrive next week.

Liverpool squad for Dubai training camp:

Adrian, Kelleher, Davies, Mrozek, Pitaluga, Salah, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Elliott, Tsimikas, Ramsay, Robertson, Carvalho, Bajcetic, Phillips, Gordon, Keita, Matip, Gomez, Jota, Arthur, Diaz, Thiago, Firmino, Chambers, Quansah, Clark, Frauendorf, Stewart, Doak, Cain, Corness.

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Liverpool have named an initial 33-man squad for their training camp in Dubai.

After helping England beat Senegal at the World Cup, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson were asked about playing together at Liverpool.

Bellingham assisted Henderson for the opening goal in Sunday’s 3-0 victory, setting up a clash between England and France in the quarter-finals.

It was a statement win for the Three Lions, and one that caught the eye of Liverpool supporters as their captain and the club’s No. 1 target combined.

Their relationship has come under the microscope while in Qatar, and both Henderson and Bellingham have been full of praise for each other in regular interviews.

But the subject of Bellingham joining Liverpool in 2023 remains off-limits, as Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Sport discovered post-match.

“I’ve said it many a time: he’s a one-off,” Henderson said of his team-mate.

– Du ødela for alle!

Henderson og Bellingham ville ikke svare på alle spørsmålene fra journalistene! ? pic.twitter.com/YvjDZSkLhY

— TV 2 Sport (@tv2sport) December 5, 2022

“We need to let him enjoy playing football. He’s only 19, so let him enjoy playing football.

“He’s been incredible [not only in] this tournament but for a long period of time at Dortmund.

“He’s carried it on into this tournament and hopefully he can just keep going from strength to strength, keep working, keep doing the things he’s doing and being a big player for England.”

In response, the pair were then asked the question: “And Liverpool in the future?”

That ended the interview abruptly, with Henderson and Bellingham both walking away as the teenager jokingly said: “You’ve ruined it for all of them now. You’ve ruined it, man!”

There were no further questions, with the rest of the waiting media left to watch as the pair laughed it off.

Is there really no smoke without fire, though? Let’s hope so!

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Liverpool have much to think about in 2023 in terms of transfers, made especially difficult by the changes being made behind the scenes including finding a new sporting director and a possible takeover and exit for FSG.

Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and another midfield signing to go with him would seem logical, but another transfer in attack would make a great deal of sense as well.

Considering the outlay needed in midfield, with Bellingham likely to cost more than £100m ($123m/€116m), targeting a cheaper player to fill the attacking void — especially if Roberto Firmino is lost for nothing at the end of his contract — would seem to make sense.

READ MORE: Liverpool should sign Cristiano Ronaldo 'replacement' as transfer can be 'Philippe Coutinho repeat'

READ MORE: FSG Liverpool sale latest as Saudi-Qatar 'ready £4bn offer', best outcome and seven options assessed

With that in mind, Liverpool are being linked with a move for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio again, with the Spanish international seeing his contract expire at the end of the campaign. Jürgen Klopp, according to Diario Madridista, sees him as a 'priority'.

Carlo Ancelotti has already admitted that Real Madrid have not held talks over a new deal yet, but he expects to after the World Cup. For a player who will be able to seal a free transfer move for the summer with clubs abroad only a few days after the tournament ends, that seems quite late in the day to be making a move towards finding an agreement.

"We haven't talked about the issue of Asensio's contract," Ancelotti said. "He has played little but when he does, he shows that he can do it. He has been decisive and he will have more minutes in the future, and after the World Cup we will talk about his contractual position."

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Since then, Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal and even Real Madrid's big rivals Barcelona have been linked with a free transfer move for the player, with Catalan radio station RAC1 (via Sports Mole) reporting that a four-year contract had been agreed with the Camp Nou side.

Only turning 27 in January, a Liverpool move — assuming his wage demands are not astronomical — would make a lot of sense. As he has shown for Spain during the World Cup, Asensio can still be a very effective player.

Capable of playing on either flank, as a number 10 or a number nine, Asensio could add depth in the Liverpool attack. Replacing Firmino, who could leave on a free, with another player who would not cost anything, would be sensible.

And Asensio is a world-class operator at his best, too, with plenty of experience. Not being a regular for Real Madrid is certainly no slight on a forward who has to compete for minutes with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo and Eden Hazard.

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It is simply not Liverpool's style to sign a player on the basis of their World Cup performances alone. The Reds' approach to recruitment is too forensic — too finely tuned — to be influenced by three or four outstanding performances at international level.

And so gone are the days that an El Hadji Diouf can secure a move to Anfield off the back of a single impressive tournament. But while Liverpool won't be using this World Cup as their sole guide to a player's quality, doing well in Qatar is hardly going to harm their reputation among recruitment staff.

As such, you can only imagine that both Cody Gakpo and Mohammed Kudus have boosted their standing at Kirkby over the course of the last two weeks.

READ MORE: Liverpool should sign Cristiano Ronaldo 'replacement' as transfer can be 'Philippe Coutinho repeat'

READ MORE: FSG Liverpool sale latest as Saudi-Qatar 'ready £4bn offer', best outcome and seven options assessed

In Gakpo's case, his World Cup goals are crucially backed up by an impressive return for PSV across the last two Eredivisie seasons.

And while Kudus is only in the midst of his first full campaign as a regular starter for Ajax (he almost secured a summer move to Everton in search of more playing time), he has scored just as regularly in the Champions League so far this term, including a brilliant finish against Liverpool at Anfield.

Unfortunately, there are other clubs out there who are far more easily influenced by these tournaments — and so events in Qatar could still have a knock-on effect for Liverpool.

The likelihood is that goals for Gakpo and Kudus (the Netherlands man could yet add more with his nation still in the competition) will serve to inflate the asking price of both players in the eyes of some suitors, creating a situation that the selling clubs will attempt to exploit.

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That risks Liverpool's in-house valuation being surpassed to the point that any initial interest is not explored further, with their stubbornness on that front having been showcased time and time again.

And so, while the Reds themselves may refuse to buy into the idea that a World Cup should decide a player's value, the nature of football means good performances in an international tournament may have a major impact on their transfer plans regardless.

If they did have interest in someone like Gakpo or Kudus, their price post-World Cup — and, crucially, the price that other teams might now be prepared to pay — is only going to have travelled northwards.

If Liverpool were really in for either player in January or beyond, they would almost certainly now face a lot more competition.

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Portugal may have qualified to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, but an issue could now emerge as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to try and find optimal form.

The 37-year-old striker hasn't quite been at his best this season, and having scored just a single goal from the penalty spot during the group stage, there is now pressure to perform with tougher opposition on the horizon.

As highlighted by the Daily Mail, sports statistics company SofaScore have rated him as the worst player among Portugal's squad — with an average rating of 6.37, and a chance conversion of just 25 per cent. Now preparing for the knockout rounds, the true cost of the loss of a Liverpool player back in October is set to be revealed.

READ MORE: Liverpool should sign Cristiano Ronaldo 'replacement' as transfer can be 'Philippe Coutinho repeat'

READ MORE: FSG Liverpool sale latest as Saudi-Qatar 'ready £4bn offer', best outcome and seven options assessed

Diogo Jota may have joined the Reds from Wolves as a predominant left-winger, but Jürgen Klopp got the best out of his goalscoring abilities last season. That could be a factor that Portugal miss, with Ronaldo becoming easier to mark by defenders, coinciding with a natural decrease of pace with age.

Of course, the former Manchester United forward remained clinical in the Premier League last season, but it is now becoming more difficult for him to fashion his own chances. It is a factor that has set Mohamed Salah apart in recent campaigns, but also a similar dilemma that the Egypt international could face later in his career.

Portugal have looked impressive in their opening two games from midfield, with Rafael Leao providing glimpses of a star destined for England's top division, but it is in games against better defences where they could find themselves stuck.

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To win the trophy this time around, Portugal must navigate through a tournament bracket that poses a potential quarter-final match with Spain, who would pose a significant test in the battle for possession. Without pace to threaten in behind, any forward must be able to help dictate the game in a similar way to Roberto Firmino — but that has never been Ronaldo's style.

And with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner relying on his midfield to create opportunities for him, less possession could see his chances limited. Inevitably, that will see questions asked of his inclusion in the current system.

Despite plans to play at the European Championships in 2024, it is after the World Cup where the torch may finally begin to switch hands — with Jota a strong candidate to lead the line for his nation. The 26-year-old is now headed into the cusp of his prime years, and offers a mobile option with the clinical nature that can help evolve Portugal's attack.

Ronaldo, whose next goal will be the 120th for his country, must face the reality that a future change in his role at international level has become unavoidable.

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For the first time at the 2022 World Cup a Liverpool player got on the scoresheet, while three in total made it through to the last eight.

Today at the World Cup

Two didn’t feature, one did in terms of Reds in Qatar. The one who did, our skipper, certainly made his presence felt.

• Ibou Konate was an unused sub as France beat Poland 3-1

• Kylian Mbappe moved to the top of the scorers charts with a brace, Giroud made French history and Lewandowski seems to have forgotten how to take penalties

• England toiled away for half an hour and then blitzed Senegal, winning 3-0

• Trent didn’t play but Jordan Henderson played 80 minutes and scored the first goal

It was an all important contribution from our skipper, who was very decent and constantly harassing the Senegal midfield, before bursting forward to end a counter with a low first-time finish.

England again lifted their game once the first goal went in and Jude Bellingham has a monster performer once again.

Interesting celebration between him and Hendo, too! The No8’s best performance in quite some time for club or country.

Earlier, France were comfortably the better side against Poland, though it was a little closer than they would have liked for the first half.

Mbappe was a joke though. Just relentless, unbelievable finishing and speed which cannot be matched.

England vs France in the quarters, then.

LFC today

Luis Diaz, welcome back – we’ve missed you!

Our own relentless speedster down the left is about ready to return to training.

All went to plan in his rehab, say reports, and he’ll join in with first-team training again when the Reds are back in action over in Dubai.

The good news doesn’t stop there either, as both Joel Matip and Naby Keita are also back from injury.

Hopefully we’ll see all three of them in action across games with AC Milan and Lyon this month.

Latest Liverpool FC news Something you may have missed…

There are plenty of Liverpool supporters who don’t watch England, or international action. That’s fine if so, but at the very least some praise for the LFC captain shouldn’t be missed.

This was an overdue big performance on a big stage.

Brilliant Jordan Henderson! So often questioned, but always answers in the right way. #ENGSEN #Qatar2022

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 4, 2022

32 – Aged 32 years and 170 days, Jordan Henderson is England's second-oldest ever World Cup scorer, after Tom Finney against USSR in 1958 (36y 64d). Wisdom. pic.twitter.com/0QoXkGEQQW

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 4, 2022

Jordan Henderson for England against Senegal:

100% duels won
100% long ball accuracy
100% shot accuracy
89% pass accuracy
55 touches
8 accurate final third passes
6 ball recoveries
2 tackles
2 crosses
1 shot
1 goal

Bossed it. ?#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/j92kcX0FKu

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 4, 2022

Jordan Henderson leaving the field to a standing ovation. His importance to the #ENG cause as clear as ever. Superb performance – and goal.

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 4, 2022

Kalvin Phillips replaces Jordan Henderson. He has been excellent and totally justified Gareth Southgate's decision to start him again.

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) December 4, 2022

Jordan Henderson currently with more World Cup knockout goals than Cristiano Ronaldo

— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) December 4, 2022

I just love Jordan Henderson being happy, and silencing critics.

Time and time and time and time and time and time again…

— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) December 4, 2022

?Only one Jordan Henderson ? ??????????

— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) December 4, 2022

England take the lead through Jordan Henderson!! ????????

Despite a lacklustre first 40 minutes, a quick break from Southgate's men sees the deadlock broken! ?#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RARCL3x0nY

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 4, 2022

Monday’s matches and LFC aspects

• 3pm: Japan vs Croatia
• 7pm: Brazil vs South Korea

Back to Brazil and our pair over there: Alisson will start once more in goal, having been rested in the final group game, while Fabinho will come back out of the team after playing that fixture.

No other direct Reds interest, though former pair Minamino and Lovren will go up against each other.

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It was the Jude Bellingham show as England overcame Senegal at the World Cup, including an assist for Jordan Henderson.

For much of the World Cup, Liverpool fans have kept a close eye on the blossoming relationship between their captain and the club’s priority target.

Henderson has struck up a strong bond with Bellingham, as a role model for the 19-year-old, who has been effusive in his praise of his fellow midfielder.

As England took on Senegal in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday, they lined up together in a three-man midfield, and were central to a comfortable 3-0 win.

It took time for the Three Lions to find their breakthrough, up against a game Senegal side who tested Jordan Pickford early on, but when they did it was through the brilliance of Bellingham.

The Dortmund midfielder took it upon himself to break the lines in midfield, leading to a cutback for Henderson, who opened the scoring with a simple finish.

Their embrace in celebration showed the passion they both share – with Liverpool fans hoping they can enjoy that at club level, too.

Could get used to watching that combination. Brilliant from Bellingham, what a run and finish from Henderson.

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 4, 2022

Henderson & Bellingham should play together at club level for the sake of the English game #LFC #FIFAWorldCup #ENGSEN

— Chris Mac (@chrismackop) December 4, 2022

Jordan Henderson goal, Jude Bellingham assist.

Beautiful midfield partnership. ?

— Samuel (@SamueILFC) December 4, 2022

Bellingham to Henderson… and that’s all she wrote ?

— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) December 4, 2022

What a half from Bellingham. Game-changer for whoever signs him. Hopefully Henderson got a deal over the line here… pic.twitter.com/vNi2a6x4H2

— Sean Bradbury (@seanbrad2) December 4, 2022

Another moment of magic from Bellingham gave England their second just before the break, riding challenges in midfield before feeding Phil Foden, who in turn teed up Harry Kane to make it 2-0.

Stunning work from Foden then crafted a third after the break, with Bukayo Saka the recipient of a fine cross to dink over Edouard Mendy.

It was an easy night for England after that, coasting to another big win as top scorers in the tournament so far.

The win sets up a quarter-final with France on Saturday, which will pit Liverpool players against each other for the first time in the tournament.

Ibrahima Konate is part of the France squad, though like Trent Alexander-Arnold he is not expected to start that tie.

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Though plans to remove the existing roof from the Anfield Road End during the World Cup have been postponed, expansion work is still well underway.

Due to the adverse weather conditions on Merseyside through the early months of the winter, a decision was made to pause plans to remove the roof from the Anfield Road stand.

But construction has continued throughout a long break for the World Cup, which has included an update to the Shankly Gates.

The Shankly Gates were first unveiled in 1982, the year after the legendary Bill Shankly passed away, and were moved further up Anfield Road as part of the Main Stand redevelopment in 2016.

They are now undergoing further improvements, with the walls attached to the gates being demolished in the latest phase in the stadium’s expansion.

Work on the Anfield Road End redevelopment, which will add another 7,000 new seats to the stand, is on course for completion by the summer.

During the World Cup, the structure has continued to take shape, and new images from Stratus Imagery show the scale of the site.

The framework is now in place to connect the new Anfield Road stand to the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Main Stand, with the redevelopment involving an entirely new stand being built around the existing structure.

Upon completion, Anfield’s capacity will be 61,015, with the Anfield Road stand holding 15,967 spectators.

The expansion is believed to come at a cost of around £80 million, with no disruption to normal matchday activity, which will resume on December 30.

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