Watford boss Walter Mazzarri has had his say on Troy Deeney’s latest setback in his bid to break into the England side.
Watford’s Troy Deeney is yet to earn an international call-up
Mazzarri was left wondering what his captain Troy Deeney has to do to earn his first England call-up, according to comments that appeared in the Watford Observer.
Troy Deeney was overlooked by England once again as Gareth Southgate announced his squad for the upcoming games against Germany and Lithuania. His omission from the side comes despite a run of five goals in his last six games and injuries to Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge.
Sunderland striker Jermaine Defoe was named in the squad and despite the 34-year-old having a remarkable season for the struggling Black Cats, this latest snub will come as a big blow to the Hornets sriker. With Deeney in arguably the best form of his career and the absence of a number experienced England forwards, this would have been his best chance to finally earn that illusive international bow.
Watford manager Mazzarri was clearly mystified when asked about his skipper’s latest rebuff from the Tree Lions set-up.
In an interview with the Watford Observer, Mazzarri said: “The facts speak for themselves – he’s scored in almost every game in the last few weeks, but these are the decisions of the England manager and we have to respect it.
“When I speak with him I will tell him he needs to score a hat-trick in each game because one is not enough. Also if he scores three goals, it will help us win too.
“At the moment he is in his best form of the season.”
England manager Gareth Southgate during the press conference
Only three recognised forwards were called up by Southgate. Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy will compete with Defoe for a chance to lead the England front line.
Southampton pair James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond joined West Ham’s Michail Antonio and Burnley’s Michael Keane as named as the four uncapped players in the team. Jake Livermore was a surprise inclusion, it is the West Brom’s first involvement with the national side after making his sole appearance against Italy back in 2012.
Southgate will have plenty of options in midfield but look lightweight up front. Deeney would’ve provided a more physical option in attack and the former Walsall man has been a regular goalscorer for Watford since their return to the Premier League in 2015.
Deeney has previously rejected the two invitations to represent Jamaica and still harbours ambitions to represent England. However, with this latest setback time is running out for Deeney to make his mark on the international stage.
Troy Deeney has scored five goals in his last six games
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