Featuring on Saturday night’s Match of the Day, Ashley Williams had his say on Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford following their 2-1 victory away to Fulham.
Bamford was recently left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Ollie Watkins making up the remaining striker spot.
The 27-year-old opened the scoring at Craven Cottage on Friday night as Marcelo Bielsa’s side took all three points back to Yorkshire and moved back up to 11th place in the Premier League table.
Williams spoke highly of Bamford when asked if he should have made Southgate’s England squad.
He said: “I don’t see why not. I’ve played against him and he’s very difficult to play against, he’s quite selfless in his play, he stretches the play to allow a bit of space for his midfield.
“His hold-up play is very good as well, and now he has added those goals, he’s a serious contender for the conversation of should he be in the England squad?”
Do you think Bamford deserves an England call-up?
Yes, definitely
No, he hasn't done that much
Following the victory in west London, the £16.2m-rated Bamford has now found the back of the net 14 times in the Premier League this season, which is four more goals than Watkins has managed in the league so far.
TIF Thoughts on Williams’ comments…
Looking at Bamford’s return this season in the Premier League, it is pretty impressive. You have to say Watkins’ return is also very impressive considering it is his first season in the top flight. However, Bamford does edge it in terms of goals.
It would certainly have been a close decision for Southgate, but perhaps he views Watkins as more likely to feature in the England squad long-term and wants to settle the 25-year-old into the England camp.