Euro 2016: What next for the 12 Reds in France?
All 12 of Liverpool's representatives at Euro 2016 will be involved in the tournament's knockout stages after the qualifying countries were confirmed on Wednesday night.
The group stage drew to a close with no little drama and the dozen Reds on duty in France have all been able to celebrate progress to the Round of 16, which kicks off at the weekend.
A cagey opening to the competition has slowly given way to a more entertaining series of games as the threat of elimination grew – and that will ramp up further from Saturday.
Here is a round-up of how those Liverpool stars targeting the trophy have fared so far, and a guide to what lies ahead in the quest to raise the silverware next month.
Belgium – second in Group E; to play Hungary on Sunday
Christian Benteke, Simon Mignolet, Divock Origi
Playing time has been restricted for Liverpool’s three-man contingent in the Belgium squad, with forwards Christian Benteke and Divock Origi limited to two substitute cameos apiece and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet yet to be involved. A sobering 2-0 defeat against Italy in their opening match of Group E was followed by improved performances and wins over Republic of Ireland and Sweden to secure second place in the section. Marc Wilmots’ highly-fancied team have been paired with Hungary in the Round of 16, with the contest to be held in Toulouse on Sunday.
England – second in Group B; to play Iceland on Monday
Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Daniel Sturridge
The drama of Group F’s conclusion on Wednesday evening meant England’s next opponent was only confirmed in the final seconds of Iceland’s clash with Austria. A strike in the fourth minute of stoppage-time handed Iceland a 2-1 victory and second place in their section ahead of Portugal – teeing up a meeting with the Three Lions next Monday. England had the upper hand in each of their matches but accrued five points from a single win and two draws. All five Reds have featured for Roy Hodgson’s side in the tournament, with Adam Lallana starting all three group games and Daniel Sturridge the hero against Wales with a late winner of his own.
Germany – first in Group C; to play Slovakia on Sunday
Emre Can
Emre Can has yet to play in France but the Liverpool midfielder will be satisfied with what he has observed of the world champions from the bench. Two wins and a draw – without conceding a goal – gave Germany top spot in Group C and set up a contest with Slovakia, captained by Can’s club colleague Martin Skrtel. The sense is that there is more to come from the Germans, who will want to step up their claim to the trophy when the sides face off in Lille on Sunday.
Slovakia – third in Group B; to play Germany on Sunday
Martin Skrtel
Slovakia overcame the disappointment of a loss against Wales in their opening match to navigate a path into the knockout rounds as one of the best third-place finishers. A crucial 2-1 win over Russia provided hope and a stubborn display subsequently secured a goalless draw with England, meaning progress to the last 16. Martin Skrtel, wearing the captain’s armband, has played all three matches and was outstanding in keeping out the Three Lions. Slovakia’s reward for their resolve is a tough task next time out – World Cup holders Germany are their opponents.
Wales – first in Group B; to play Northern Ireland on Saturday
Joe Allen, Danny Ward
Wales have been one of the stories of the tournament so far, topping Group B ahead of England courtesy of fine victories over Slovakia and notably Russia. Those wins sandwiched a stoppage-time defeat by the Three Lions and the response in beating the Russians 3-0 showed exactly how dangerous Chris Coleman’s charges can be. Joe Allen has been an assured and creative figure in the midfield throughout all three group games, while Danny Ward was between the posts for the meeting with Slovakia. Another home nation encounter awaits in the last 16, with Northern Ireland next up in Paris on Saturday.
