Liverpool underachiever Harvey Elliott misses crucial penalty as England U21s lose to France | OneFootball

The past two weeks have been frustrating for Liverpool fans. The Reds watched their side crash out from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 despite topping the table.

Liverpool put the painful loss behind them as they headed to Wembley to take on Newcastle United in the final of the League Cup. Unfortunately, more misery befell the Merseyside club, and they lost 2-1.

To make matters worse, Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch have picked up knocks on international duty, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley on the treatment table.

Liverpool’s woes continued yesterday. Playmaker Harvey Elliott missed a crucial penalty as the England Under-21s lost a blockbuster eight-goal thriller to France.

The Liverpool attacking midfielder had scored England’s second to make it 3-2. However, Manchester United transfer target Hugo Ekitike had a memorable day and made it 4-2 before Liam Delap reduced the deficit.

Rico Lewis won a penalty, and Elliott wasted a stunning chance to make it 4-4. France won 5-3, leaving him to rue his missed opportunity.

It was a golden opportunity to salvage the game, but Elliott fluffed his lines under pressure – yet another reminder of his struggles in decisive moments.

Elliott scuppered England’s chances of beating France. It will likely kill his confidence after an underwhelming season where he has struggled to find a starting spot in the Liverpool XI.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been criticised for not giving Elliott more chances. The 21-year-old has recorded only 121 minutes of playing time in 11 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season.

His lack of influence has led to debates over whether he truly has the quality to make it at a club of Liverpool’s stature.

There have been talks about a move away from Anfield. It might do him some good to go somewhere he is trusted by the manager.

Man Utd target shines in France victory

Ekitike has bagged 19 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt. Man Utd are eyeing him to usurp underperforming pair Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Frenchman would have impressed any Man Utd scouts in attendance with his hat-trick and overall excellent play. He is one to watch this summer transfer window.