Jarell Quansah has had 'greatest day' of his life since leaving Liverpool

Jarell Quansah described earning his first England cap as a “massive honor” and one of the best days of his life.

The defender, who came through the Liverpool youth academy and departed in the summer to sign for Bayer Leverkusen, has been called up to five previous squads but only made his debut for the Three Lions on Sunday in the 2-0 road victory over Albania.

Quansah started at right-back in Tirana, and tended to push inside as John Stones looked to advance into midfield during the first half. The former Liverpool man played 90 minutes and put in an assured performance for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

For Quansah, who has played in every England age group from Under-15s upwards, it was a particularly proud moment.

After the game, the 22-year-old was presented with his maiden England cap by captain Harry Kane, and gave a short speech in the locker room.

“First and foremost, this is one of the greatest days of my life,” Quansah told the England squad.

“Being part of the group, obviously, perfect in qualifying, means a lot to me.

“I want to thank the coaching staff and all the staff for giving me the opportunity and helping me out.

“Then obviously to you guys [in the squad] as well. Being part of you guys, seeing some of the lads I’ve won tournaments with and came up through the age groups with, and senior, experienced players as well.

“It’s a massive honor. I’m so grateful, thank you.”

Quansah played on a night in which England won 2-0 thanks to a Kane brace and maintained its record of keeping a clean sheet across all eight group matches, amassing a maximum of 24 points since Tuchel’s appointment.

The Leverkusen man is likely to be part of England’s squad at the World Cup this summer, with Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn among Tuchel’s regular center-back selections since taking up the role.

Quansah’s impressive form at club level has helped to cement his place in the England squad. Since leaving the Reds over the summer, he has established himself as a regular in the Leverkusen team and played 13 times.

Liverpool retains a buyback arrangement on the player, and could even look to activate it next summer, depending on the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Guehi.

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