Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Kieran King

"A fabulous moment for him" - Gareth Southgate has spoken about Patrick Bamford's England call

Gareth Southgate has praised Patrick Bamford after the Leeds United forward was included in the England squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Bamford impressed in a Whites shirt last season, scoring 17 times in 38 appearances, earning him a spot in the Three Lions camp for the first time.

Leeds team-mate Kalvin Phillips has also been selected for the matches against Andorra, Hungary and Poland and Bamford could become just the second Leeds player to feature for England since 2004.

Despite not finding the net in his first two Premier League matches, the 27-year-old still looked sharp against Everton and arguably changed the game in the Carabao Cup win, providing an assist for Jack Harrison's first goal.

The Three Lions boss has shared his thoughts on Bamford's inclusion and believes that this is a good chance for him to replicate his Leeds form in the national team.

Speaking at his press conference, Southgate said: "There was an opportunity for us in the forward areas and now is an opportunity for Patrick as a number nine.

"His progress with Leeds has been excellent. He was very close to being with us at the end of last season.

"This is a good chance for him to come back in.

"We worked with him at Under 21 level, so we know him anyway. It's a fabulous moment for him and his family."

Bamford faces stiff competition up front to get any minutes, with skipper Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both selected, whilst Ollie Watkins misses out.

However, this could benefit Bamford, who is going to be training with some of the best finishers in the country, including last season's Golden Boot winner in Kane.

Although this is his first senior call-up, representing his country is nothing new to the striker after he played for Southgate in the Under-21s back in 2013.

The Nottingham-born talisman is likely to join up with his England teammates on Sunday evening or Monday morning after Leeds' clash with Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

And he could then make his Three Lions debut on Thursday, September 2, as they make the trip to Hungary.

We want to hear your thoughts on this story, so LOG IN and leave your comment below

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.