England boss Gareth Southgate admits he is aware of the "dynamic" that exists between Liverpool and the country's national team.
A significant section of local Reds supporters have long had uneasy relationship with the Three Lions side, often preferring to support whoever is in opposition.
That again came to the fore earlier this year when Southgate attracted fierce criticism from Liverpool fans after overlooking Trent Alexander-Arnold for a World Cup qualifying triple-header.
The England boss, though, believes there is no need for a chasm between club and country, especially regarding the players.
"There's always that little bit of dynamic between Liverpool and England and I'm conscious of that," he said. "I'm aware of that.
"My respect for Liverpool Football Club is enormous. I know it is a unique city with an unbelievable football heritage, unbelievable passion for the game, and also because of history a really proud individual identity as well.
"But I've also played at Anfield with England played with a lot of Liverpool players in my time with England, and it can be club and country - it doesn't have to be separated.
"The Liverpool lads we have had in the squad have been hugely proud to play."
Southgate was speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Liverpool fan channel The Redmen TV as part of their "Hendo 10" series celebrating 10 years of Jordan Henderson at Anfield.
And the England boss has explained how Henderson reacted to being told he had missed out on the national team captaincy to Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Asked if it mattered to the Liverpool skipper, Southgate said: "100% it did. With Hendo I have huge respect for him as a human being. Of course he would have liked to be England captain and he has all of the qualities to do that.
"We took a decision at that time, I did have a conversation with him and explained the route I was going and the reasons why, he accepted that brilliantly.
"It wouldn't be fair to say I didn't think he would care or be disappointed. It was a huge thing. and every time he wears the armband I know how proud he would be to do that."
