Are you watching, Gareth Southgate?
With Callum Wilson, Tammy Abraham and Danny Ings all injured, this seemed like the proper likelihood for the England boss to take a better take a look at Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford in his seek for a backup to Harry Kane.
However no.
As an alternative of Bamford, Southgate gave the third striker spot to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Whereas he is clearly a superb striker, he isn’t the fourth prime scorer within the Premier League. That is a spot saved for Bamford.
Clearly harbouring some frustration in direction of the choice, Bamford arrived at Craven Cottage on Friday night time intent on making an impression – and that is precisely what he did.
Bamford was concerned in each of Leeds’ objectives of their snug 2-1 victory over Fulham. He opened the scoring with an emphatic half-volley halfway via the primary half, maybe picturing Southgate’s head as a substitute of the ball, earlier than turning creator for Raphinha’s deciding purpose in a while.
It was an entire efficiency from Leeds’ fundamental man, and Bamford was ready to place within the soiled work and battle for his probabilities – one thing Southgate’s England squad might do with extra of.
Whereas no one is absolutely campaigning for Bamford (or anybody else) to begin forward of Kane, the reserve spot could be very a lot up for grabs. Southgate appears intent on giving it to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who started the season properly however has managed simply three objectives in his final 14 Premier League video games.
He isn’t in kind, neither is Watkins, and fact be advised, Kane is not within the best contact proper now. Choosing Bamford ought to have been a easy choice, however it’s one Southgate one way or the other managed to get unsuitable – very like he is accomplished up to now with the likes of Jack Grealish.
Whereas his omission may arrange a boring worldwide break, England’s loss is likely Leeds’ achieve. Bamford has been coping with a lot of knocks and niggles of late, and picked up a contemporary downside in opposition to Fulham which compelled him off in direction of the top of the sport.
To be sincere, he might most likely do with a relaxation.
Finally, it is a relaxation he should not have had the possibility to get, as Bamford deserves to be strutting his stuff on the worldwide stage. However each cloud has a silver lining; as soon as he is match and again to 100% health, the previous Chelsea striker could have one other likelihood to win Southgate over – ideally earlier than this summer season’s delayed European Championships.
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