Andros Townsend told Optus Sport on Premier League Productions that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is an ‘example to all players’.
The 27-year-old, who missed out on selection for England on Thursday, delivered an emphatic answer by scoring and assisting during Leeds’ 2-1 win at Fulham on Friday night.
There were a number of Leeds fans annoyed that his performances this season wasn’t rewarded with that debut call, but there is nothing the ex-Chelsea academy star can do but continue to perform as he did on Friday.
Given Bamford’s recent rise, Crystal Palace winger Townsend praised him for how he has risen through the ranks of English football in recent years.
“I think he’s an example to all players up and down the country,” said Townsend.
“He has obviously had his fair share of setbacks. He has had his disappointing loan moves.
“He got written off. Dropped down to the Championship. Scored goals there. Questions were asked. Could he score in the Premier League and he has answered that emphatically.”
Given the way Bamford is going, he will more than likely earn that England shot down the line.
Of course, he craves that call for the Euros this summer, and whilst he is now behind Ollie Watkins in the pecking order, there is still a long time to go for him to make a late surge.
One thing is for sure, whilst Gareth Southgate didn’t pick him, it does seem as though Bamford is on the cusp of a call-up and next in line.
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