The UEFA European Championship is fast approaching, and right on queue Gareth Southgate has named his 33-man provisional England squad for the tournament.
As you can expect some of the usual faces appeared on his list like Jordan Pickford, Mason Mount, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier and Raheem Sterling.
Of course, there were a few surprises in there too with Aaron Ramsdale, of relegated Sheffield United, Brighton’s Ben White and former Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey.
However, one man omitted from this summers international duties is Leeds United top scorer for the 2020/21 campaign, Patrick Bamford.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Grantham born striker, finished the season with a grand total of 17 goals, which helped Leeds United to a nineth place finish in their first season back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
This impressive goal haul is made even better when the former Chelsea player has also contributed to another seven goals too.
With the season now over, Patrick Bamford sits joint fourth, with Son Heung-Min, in the top scorers for this season Premier League. Only one Englishman sits higher, who went on to claim the golden boot, Harry Kane.
Yet, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (16 goals, Everton) and Ollie Watkins (14 goals, Aston Villa), and both lower on the list have been called up to the squad.
There is so much talent in the attacking line for England and of course one player was bound to miss out, this time round Patrick Bamford. Many believe this unjustified when he’s been so clinical this season.
Because of this omission, many are calling for the Leeds United finisher to change his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
This wouldn’t be the first time though, qualifying through a grandparent, playing for Ireland at under-18 level, before switching to his birth county after expressing his desire to represent England at a major tournament.
But it may be time to switch back in order. He wouldn’t be the first player this season to do so with Che Adams (Southampton) switching to Scotland, Jamal Lowe (Swansea City) switching to Jamaica and Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City) to Spain.
It’s no secret that the Republic of Ireland team are struggling for form at the moment and perhaps with a natural goal scorer leading the line their fortunes may change.
It’s extremely unlikely that the Republic of Ireland would ever win a UEFA European Championship or FIFA World Cup however, the 27-year-old is very likely to achieve the status ‘international footballer’ by playing for them and could rack up an impressive appearance tally.
With no plans for the summer now Patrick Bamford will be sure to use this time to figure out all of his options, but he will be questioning, after such a successful individual and club performance, what must he do to get into this England squad, if ever or will he answer Ireland’s Call?
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