While West Ham United striker Andy Carroll’s injury woes continue, Watford captain Troy Deeney is backed to secure first ever England call-up.
Watford’s Troy Deeney
Deeney was on the scoresheet as Watford twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Birmingham-born star has scored three goals in his last four games.
But the quality of Deeney’s all round game has prompted two former Premier League and England stars to call for him to be given a chance by temporary Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Jermaine Jenas and record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer said Deeney has the qualities England sides lack.
And former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas questioned why people bemoan Carroll’s unavailability with Deeney around.
West Ham United’s Andy Carroll injured
“Harry Kane is injured, you’ve got a couple of games coming up against Malta and Slovenia and you know since he’s come into the Premier League with Watford he’s been absolutely outstanding,” Jenas said on MOTD.
“I just find myself saying we’re always asking can we bring an Andy Carroll in, who’s a hold-up man… well are there many better at holding the ball up than Troy Deeney?
“Oh and we’ve got a lack of leaders apparently, I mean he’s Watford’s skipper and he leads by example week in, week out.
Jermaine Jenas
“Can he put the ball in the back of the net? Well he’s scored three in his last four and he’s a goal scorer.
“I just really enjoy watching him play and I think the players in and around him enjoy his leadership, he’s a handful in the box… he’s good with the ball at his feet (too) maybe he’s just got an opportunity.”
Shearer added that while he feels Deeney is behind the likes of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge, Spurs star Harry Kane and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, Deeney should be given a chance if that quartet is ever disrupted by injuries.
Watford’s Troy Deeney celebrates
It shows just how often Hammers sicknote Carroll has been injured over the last two seasons since Watford were promoted that Deeney has overtaken him in the England reckoning.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle United target man has yet to play this season after injuring himself in Europa League qualifying during pre-season.
He is expected back by November by which time Deeney could well have received that first ever call-up.
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