Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher has rejected claims of Virgil van Dijk protecting himself for the World Cup.

Ahead of Liverpool's clash with Tottenham, Carragher wrote for the Telegraph: "Harry Kane going head-to-head with Virgil van Dijk should be one of the most exciting duels of the season.

"Instead, you can be sure that, whatever the outcome, if Kane or Van Dijk fail to meet their usual standards one or both will stand accused of 'saving themselves' for England or Holland.

"Van Dijk has been hearing that for months. Having missed the last European Championship because of serious injury, it would be understandable if – subconsciously at least – the competition was on his mind. Whether that is true or not, it is not fair on Van Dijk to be judged in such a way."