Liverpool legend makes Dominic Solanke’s long wait for England return look short

Dominic Solanke is back in the England fold after a lengthy stay in the international wilderness.

But in truth, Solanke’s Three Lions exile is comparatively short-lived.

Solanke has been called up for England after seven years awayGetty

The striker has spent nearly seven years out of the national team squad having made his senior England debut in November 2017.

That appearance came in a friendly with Brazil – a match that ended 0-0 – with Solanke coming on as a 74th-minute substitute.

But while the wait for his latest England call-up may have felt like an eternity, it’s nothing compared to one Liverpool legend.

Ian Callaghan made an incredible 857 appearances for his hometown club between 1960 and 1978.

In that time he won five First Division titles, two FA Cups and two European Cups – both of which were won in his final two years at Anfield.

Callaghan won his first cap in 1966 before claiming his second in a 2-0 Wold Cup group stage win over France.

Unfortunately, the midfielder had to wait a staggering 11 years and 49 days to win his next England cap.

That came in September 1977 at the age of 35.

For Solanke, while he has been called up for the October internationals, the challenge will be making sure that he gets on the pitch.

The Tottenham star earned his call up having scored three goals in six games for Spurs since completing his £65million move to north London.

Callaghan, right, won the European Cup twice under Bob Paisley

Solanke will be keen to build on the strong start made at Tottenham

While he’s Ange Postecoglou’s main man in attack, Solanke faces fierce competition in the England ranks with Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins also vying for the centre-forward’s position in the team.

The 27-year-old will have two opportunities to get on the pitch, with England facing Greece and then Finland in the UEFA Nations League.

The home clash with Greece will take place at Wembley on the night of Thursday, October 10, while the trip to Finland takes place on Sunday, October 13.

Both fixtures will be live on talkSPORT.