The striker is on good form but failed to make Gareth Southgate’s first England squad
Watford’s Troy Deeney celebrates scoring their first goal
Watford fans have taken to social media to express their frustration that club captain Troy Deeney is still yet to receive international recognition despite his goalscoring exploits at club level.
Caretaker manager Gareth Southgate has not chosen the Hornets man despite Deeney scoring three times in his last four games, including a sublime chip against West Ham which got the striker off the mark for the season.
Troy Deeney scores for Watford
Harry Kane’s absence through injury raised hopes amongst the Watford faithful that their talisman might get his chance, but Manchester United attacking duo Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have been promoted from the under-21 set up instead. Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge are the other strikers named by the former Middlesbrough boss.
The case for Deeney’s inclusion was backed by BBC pundits Jermaine Jenas and Alan Shearer last week, with Jenas wondering why the absence of Andy Carroll is bemoaned when an alternative in Deeney is available.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard (R) has been called up
Watford fans were also unhappy with the decision, as the following tweets illustrate.
Troy Deeney celebrates after scoring the third goal for Watford
Not all fans felt Deeney was so hard done by, however, with some feeling that he does not have the required quality to succeed at international level.
Time will tell if Southgate has made the right decision, but the attacking talents England have chosen should be enough to help the Three Lions see off Malta and Slovenia. Some would argue that such opponents are the ideal time to test new players like Deeney, but Southgate has chosen to play it safe with his first squad.
However, if the Watford striker continues finding the net he will keep his name in contention – it is now up to Deeney to make his case impossible to ignore.
Would you have chosen the Watford man in the squad, or is he not good enough? Leave your thoughts below.
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