Sam Allardyce’s exit from the England job has thrown an air of uncertainty over this Sunday’s squad selection for the games against Malta and Slovenia. Is the door open for Troy Deeney?
Watford began their season with a 1-1 draw away at Southampton and typically Deeney played a part in the Hornets’ goal. His cushioned header set up Etienne Capoue to drill the ball home and cap off an excellent Watford move. However, Southampton dominated the second half and Deeney’s role in the game was largely restricted to defensive duties.
Deeney had another tough afternoon when Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side visited Vicarage Road. Deeney and his strike partner Ohion Ighalo did enjoy good moments of link up play but overall he struggled against John Terry and Gary Cahill.
The Watford captain also played 120 minutes as Watford were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Gillingham. Deeney did have chances and tested Simon Nelson in the Gills goal on more than one occasion. He was also denied a one-on-one chance by a tremendous tackle from Gills defender Deji Oshilaja.
Watford and Deeney had another frustrating afternoon as they were brushed aside by Arsenal at Vicarage Road. The ex-Walsall man worked hard but still didn’t look up to his usually high standards.
Deeney broke his duck for the season when the Hornets made their first trip to the new London Stadium. After going two goals down, Deeney’s sublime finish just before half-time pulled Watford level. Deeney was replaced late on by Stefano Okaka, as Watford sealed an impressive 4-2 victory.
The Watford captain was on the scoresheet again as his team stunned Man Utd at Vicarage Road. In the first-half, Deeney was denied his second goal of the season by a wonderful David de Gea save. The forward’s physicality did help to unsettle the United defence and his persistence was rewarded when he converted a late penalty to seal all three points for his side.
Following the high of beating United, Watford were brought back to reality with a bruising 2-0 away defeat against Sean Dyche’s Burnley side. Deeney had a couple of tame efforts on what proved to be an underwhelming performance from the Hornets. After the game, Deeney gave an honest assessment of his teams failings and admitted to the BBC they were “bullied” by the newly-promoted side.
England awaits?
In the early stages of this season, Deeney is yet to reach the level of performances Watford fans know he is capable of and this may work against him ahead of Sunday’s selection. However, it should be remembered that Deeney took a while to get going last season and didn’t find the net until October 24.
With Harry Kane out of action, now seems the right time to hand Deeney an opportunity on the international stage. Deeney is a suitable alternative to the Spurs man and, at his best, he offers intelligent link up play; an unsettling physical presence and an underappreciated touch of quality. With the likes of Ian Wright telling the Sun he backs Deeney for England, the forward has one more chance to impress against Bournemouth before the squad is announced. If he does make the cut, it will be an outstanding and well-deserved achievement for Watford’s talisman.
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