Andy Cole has told talkSPORT that he still cannot believe that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is not part of the England squad.
England have started their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, but Leeds striker Bamford is not in the squad.
Three Lions’ head coach Gareth Southgate decided to pick Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ahead of the 27-year-old, who cost Leeds £7 million in transfer fees when they signed him from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2018, as reported by Sky Sports.
Former Manchester United and England international striker Cole, who now works as a pundit for talkSPORT, believes that Bamford should have been included in the squad and is still surprised that he was snubbed.
Cole said on talkSPORT: “I’ve got to be honest, I was surprised. We all know Bamford has been around for some time but this season at Leeds he’s been absolutely fantastic.
“Not just his work rate and the way he closes people down, but the goals he’s got. The manager Marcelo Bielsa believes in him and the way he’s played, the way he’s got his goals and the way he creates chances for his teammates… he’s got nice moment too.
“When you play for Leeds, especially the way Bielsa wants you to play, as a centre-forward you’ve got to have decent movement. His touch and awareness of other players is also very good. I was very, very surprised he didn’t get the opportunity to be in this England squad.”
Staying positive
It must have been disappointing for Bamford not to be included in the England squad despite his good form this season, but the striker shroud stay positive and continue to bang in the goals.
According to WhoScored, the striker has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in 29 Premier League matches for Leeds so far this season.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are likely to end up in the top half of the Premier League table this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
