Leeds striker Patrick Bamford says he’s ‘in with a shot’ of getting an England call-up for this summer’s Euros.
The 27-year-old was unlucky to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
In his place, Southgate selected the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins in attack.
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However, Bamford responded to the disappointment brilliantly on Friday. He scored the opening goal as Leeds beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage to end their disappointing run in the capital.
Speaking after the win, Bamford told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “Every player who gets called up thoroughly deserves it. I think a few who thought they might get called up didn’t and are disappointed.
“I just need to keep working and see if I can get my name in contention for the Euros. If I keep going as I am I think I’m in with a shot. If you told me at the start of the season I’d be linked with England I’d say you were bonkers.
“If it comes, it comes. If not I’ll know I’ve done my best. It was in the back of my mind a little bit I guess. It gives you a bit of an extra fire in your belly.”
Bamford was widely rumoured to be in contention for a call-up due to his impressive form this season.
He’s bagged 13 goals in his first full Premier League campaign, proving many doubters wrong in the process.
Teammate Luke Ayling was also close to a maiden call-up. He saw his place taken by the likes of Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker at right-back.
Ayling seemed to use the situation to his advantage against Fulham. He looked to have scored the first goal with a great header, only for it to be ruled out for an earlier offside.
Speaking about the game, Bamford continued: “The lads deseve a lot of credit, they had to do a lot of my running tonight because I was struggling from the get-go. It was a matter of time for how long I could last and at 77 minutes the legs packed in.
“For the majority we controlled the game. We created a lot of chances, I think the result was fair. Fulham are a lot better team since we last played them and I think they’ll be fighting and might get out of it [the relegation zone] – you never know.”
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