It is something we thought, here at Leeds United.News, we would be writing last season. Patrick Bamford’s England dreams were dashed ahead of Euro 2020 but now, he has been called-up. Included in a 25-man squad, here is what Gareth Southgate had to say on the inclusion of Leeds star Bamford.
Bamford, 27, finally gets his call-up. In the eyes of many Leeds fans, perhaps about three months to late. The Leeds no.9 scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists in the Premier League last season, a huge 25 goal involvements in total. His work rate, finishing, and link-up play are also crucial traits.
But he was overlooked. While there was sadness at missing out on Euro 2020, Bamford has now finally got his call-up. The Leeds star will be in the England squad that take on Hungary, Andorra and Poland during the international break. Of course, Bamford will have an eye on the World Cup.
What has Southgate said about Leeds star Bamford after England call-up?
Speaking after the inclusion of Bamford – ahead of Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins – Southgate spoke. He believes that now is the right time for Bamford to get his chance as a number nine. He described the Leeds star’s progression as “excellent”.
“I think this is a fresh cycle,” Southgate said, as per Sky Sports. “We were always going to pick the bulk of the squad from the summer. We were only two games into a new season, we were never looking to make too many changes. There are some players unavailable – Ben White, Ben Chilwell – they’ve not has as much football. Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford injured.
“There were opportunities in the forward areas. We were very pleased with what Ollie Watkins did at the end of last season, and now there is an opportunity for Patrick as a number nine. His progress with Leeds has been excellent. He was very close last season, now he is coming back in. A fabulous moment for him and his family.”
In other Leeds news, here is why Adam Forshaw has had teeth removed.