Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford will retire happy knowing he got to represent England once.
Gareth Southgate handed Bamford his one and only Three Lions cap back in September 2021, as he started in a 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley.
Bamford’s appearance for England was just reward for the season he had just enjoyed in the Premier League at Leeds, which was undoubtedly the best of his career.
The 30-year-old netted 17 goals in Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League and had continued that form into the 2021/22 campaign, with a goal and an assist in the first three matches.
Unfortunately for Bamford, he has never quite been the same again since his England cap as just two matches later he picked up an injury that saw him play 122 minutes across the remainder of the season.
Bamford makes Marcelo Bielsa England claim
Bamford is a world away from ever being back on the international stage, and so like the rest of the country, he now simply watches on as a fan.
England look set to enter a period of transition over the coming months following Southgate’s decision to leave his position as manager after eight years in charge.
Southgate faced scathing criticism during Euro 2024 for his style of play, but ultimately the facts do not lie. His record in international tournaments make him the second most successful England manager of all time.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘My Mate’s A Footballer‘ Podcast, Bamford was asked who he would like to see come in and replace the man who gave him his international debut.
Bamford’s response was prompt and one that Leeds fans will love, as he simply said, ‘Bielsa’.
Bielsa was the man who trusted, believed and improved Bamford during their time together at Leeds, and so it is no surprise to hear the 30-year-old chucking his hat into the ring.
Bamford has always spoken so fondly of Bielsa since his exit from Leeds in February 2022. Given the nation’s discontent at Southgate’s style of play, Bielsa is certainly someone who could change that.
Bielsa would never leave Uruguay role
Bielsa took some time away from football following his dismissal by Leeds but is now in charge of Uruguay and doing a very good job.
After wins over Argentina and Brazil, Bielsa has Uruguay top of World Cup qualification in South America, and also helped them reach the semi-finals of the Copa America.
Bielsa has a contract at Uruguay until the 2026 World Cup and based on the former Leeds boss’ track record, there is no way he would end that early.
It would be incredible to see Bielsa in charge of England, but it is just something that is unlikely to materialise.
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