Jesse Marsch has told Friday’s press conference that Leeds United duo Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford were included in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man World Cup squad – but missed out from making the final 26-man cut.
Bamford is obviously a one-time England international, making his debut in 2021 after a wonderful 20-21 season. In that campaign, he produced 25 goal involvements – scoring 17 and creating eight. But injuries have taken their toll.
Just 10 appearances came his way in 2021-22, and the same this season – though only four have been starts. Bamford was missing against Bournemouth, and at Wolves. Marsch has confirmed he will not play against Spurs.
Harrison started this season in incredible form. A goal and three assists in his first three games. But since then, he has struggled to get going – failing to score or assist. Marsch said: “Patrick and Jack were on the 55-man squad.”
Leeds duo Harrison and Bamford were in 55-man World Cup squad
It is a surprise. Perhaps not so much Harrison, even though he has never earned a senior call-up. His form at the start of the season saw him touted with a possible call-up for the September fixtures, but he missed out.
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Bamford, meanwhile, is a huge shock. Especially given his lack of game time last season. He has been fit but he has been yet to score this season. Also, because of the amount of strikers available to Southgate at this moment in time.
Harry Kane is obviously first choice. Callum Wilson and Marcus Rashford have been called-up. Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham will feel aggrieved they have missed out. Abraham’s form for Roma has been poor this term.
Instead of Harrison, England have called up Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and of course Rashford, who can also play out wide. So, plenty of players in the way of Harrison and Bamford.
