Flanno for England?

The 21-year-old has been an unexpected star of the campaign, excelling on both the right and left sides of the Reds' defence with his attentive positioning, strong tackles and calm distribution.

With this summer's World Cup edging ever closer, his club manager believes the Three Lions should take a vested interest in Flanagan's development before a squad for Brazil is confirmed.

Discussing the options available to England coach Roy Hodgson at right-back, Rodgers said: "Jon has that potential. He has all the qualities to play in that position for England.

"Obviously Glen Johnson is in there and Kyle Walker as well, but Roy will know as well as anyone the pressures of playing and managing a club like Liverpool. For a young player like Jon to be producing the performances he has done takes some doing.

"The quality he's playing at, especially in big games, has been outstanding. The key for Jon is making sure he doesn't think he has cracked it - which he has probably learned from last time.

"He has now taken his opportunity and we see that hunger. I have been pleasantly surprised by how tactically good he is.

"He was up against Santi Cazorla at the weekend, a player who jumps inside, and we asked Jon to make sure he went inside at the right moments. If he can play at that level here in those types of games then he can do it at international level for sure."

Rodgers selected five English players in the line-up that eviscerated Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday, with Flanagan joined by Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge.

"It must be encouraging for England to see the level these players are playing at," the 41-year-old commented.

"Everyone knows Steven's qualities but it would be good for Roy to see him play in that single pivot. We don't play with two holders in midfield, we play with one and two attacking. Steven has amazed me with the quality he has played that role with so quickly.

"I watched on TV the whole array of goals he has scored in the Premier League. When he was playing as the No.10 or that advanced player over many years, he was incredible, with the movement of a striker in the box.

"To flip that and become a playmaker in the other half of the field shows the real tactical intelligence he has and how he still has a lot to offer.

"Raheem has been absolutely outstanding and it's incredible for a kid of that age to be playing at that level - his brightness, his invention and his speed.

"Jordan has shown he's a great learner and he's got everything - physically, his stature as a player, his ability to press. I've been mightily impressed by the tactical side of his game. He looks like he's ready to play for England for many years.

"Sturridge's goals record speaks for itself. His transformation from being a Chelsea reserve player to being what I would consider now to be England's No.9 for a World Cup is a good statement, especially for young British players, that if you come to Liverpool you will get your opportunity if your focus is right."