Who is Liam Balmer? The Liverpool Wonderkid Who Earned His First England Call

September 2025 – Liverpool’s academy has long been known for producing talented young footballers, and the latest name to emerge is Liam Balmer, a 16-year-old full-back who has just received his first call-up to the England U17 squad.

Early Journey at Liverpool

Balmer has been part of Liverpool’s youth academy since the Under-9 level, developing under the club’s watchful coaching system. Earlier this year, he signed his first professional contract, witnessed by senior star Trent Alexander-Arnold – a fitting moment for a young defender looking to follow in his footsteps.

England Debut Against Venezuela

Balmer made his debut for England U17s in a 2-1 win over Venezuela. The match was disrupted for nearly an hour after alleged racist remarks were directed at some of England’s players, but Balmer showed maturity by delivering a composed performance despite the tense circumstances.

The young defender will also get opportunities against Israel and Germany in the mini-tournament in Düsseldorf, a big stage to continue proving his ability.

Playing Style and Strengths

Balmer can play on either side of defence, but he is most often used as a right-back. Coaches at Liverpool describe him as:

• Technically strong with sharp positional awareness

• Athletic and quick, able to cover ground effectively

• Tenacious in duels, with impressive lower-body strength despite not being the tallest player

Observers also praised his performances during Liverpool U16’s summer clash with the J.League Select XI, where he stood out with his calmness on the ball.

Competition at Liverpool’s Academy

Breaking into Liverpool’s U18 side will not be easy, with players like DJ Esdaile (right-back) and Lenix Conde already highly rated. However, Balmer’s consistent form has earned him recognition, including this surprise England call-up.

Looking Ahead

For now, Balmer’s focus will remain on Liverpool’s academy and continuing to grow in the England youth setup. With the U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year, the young defender has a chance to further showcase his talent on the international stage.

While he may not be a headline-grabber yet, Liam Balmer is a name Liverpool fans and England supporters should keep a close eye on.