Jamie Mackie told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (27/03/21 at 2:10 pm) that he thinks the ‘aggrieved’ Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford still has hope of an England call.
After Gareth Southgate opted against calling up the Leeds star during this current international break, it would have left the 27-year-old disappointed that he has probably now missed his shot at going to the Euros.
With Ollie Watkins picked ahead of the former Chelsea academy product, it does seem as though he now holds the cards if Southgate has to pick between either player for a final spot.
But former Forest Winger, Mackie, thinks if Bamford can end the season in form then there’s no reason why he still cannot get that call.
“As a striker, ultimately, he will be disappointed,” said Mackie. “You have to have that selfish mentality.
“I think he can count himself unlucky that he wasn’t in the squad. There is no doubt about that. I think he has been superb this year. People may be questioned whether he can do it consistently in the Premier League and he has done that.
“For Patrick Bamford, I think he has to carry on doing what he’s doing because anything can happen in the next nine games or a couple of months of the season. He has to be right on it.
“Look at the goals he has scored. He is definitely going to feel aggrieved – Bamford if he scores a few more goals between the end of the season, who says they don’t pick the form player?”
The only thing Bamford can do is continue to hit the back of the net because that then keeps everyone talking.
But with the injured Danny Ings also not picked during these current international fixtures, life might just be difficult for Bamford to make a breakthrough because you would argue that the Saints man is ahead of the Leeds forward.
Either way, it’s a much-needed headache for Southgate and it just goes to show the depth in quality he has to choose from that he can afford to leave Bamford out.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
