Patrick Bamford admits it would be ‘a dream’ to earn an England call-up from Gareth Southgate as Leeds striker credits Marcelo Bielsa’s ‘faith’ for his lightning start to the season
- Patrick Bamford admits that it would be ‘a dream’ to earn an England call-up
- He has scored six goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa
- Bamford understands that he must keep up his current form to earn a call-up
- The 27-year-old forward is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland
Patrick Bamford has admitted that it would be ‘a dream’ to earn an England call-up from Gareth Southgate but understands he must maintain his impressive form to fulfil his dream.
Bamford has made a flying start to the 2020-2021 Premier League season, scoring six goals in six matches – including a sublime hat-trick in the recent 3-0 win at Aston Villa.
Bamford credits Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa for his success, claiming his boss ‘stuck by him’ even when he wasn’t scoring.
Patrick Bamford has admitted that it would be ‘a dream’ to earn an England call-up
He told TalkSPORT: ‘That would be a dream [come true]. The important thing for me is that I’ve played six games and done quite well in those games, but it’s unfair for me to compare myself to the other England strikers who have been doing it for a long time at this level.
‘They are more worthy [to be in contention for the Euros] at the minute.
‘I think by the end of the season if I’m still doing it and I’m up there in the top scorers charts then we can talk about whether or not I deserve a place in the England squad.’
Bamford has come onto Gareth Southgate’s radar after scoring six goals in six games
The 27-year-old also scored a sublime hat-trick at Aston Villa in the Premier League last Friday
The 2-year-old has made his intention to represent England clear, despite being eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland.
Bamford has represented Ireland at U18 level and remains eligible to feature for Stephen Kenny’s senior side due to an Irish-born grandparent and the fact he is yet to play a senior game for England.
Previous Ireland managers Martin O’Neill and Mick McCarthy have toyed with the idea of bringing Bamford into the fold as the forward refused to turn down the possibility of committing his allegiance to Ireland.
Bamford has, however, made it clear that he wants to focus on his club career before speaking about performing on the international stage.
The 27-year-old forward is also eligible to play for Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland side
Bamford spoke highly of Marcelo Bielsa and thanked the Leeds boss for showing faith in him
Bamford spoke highly of Marcelo Bielsa and thanked the Leeds boss for showing faith in him.
Since he’s come in he’s put his faith in me from the beginning,’ Bamford said.
‘There was tough times last season when he stuck by me because as long as I was working for the team, even if I wasn’t scoring, he still had this belief in me.
‘There’s a big thing there where I feel like I need to repay him and I’ve a good start with six goals and that goes some way to repaying him.
‘But you’re only as good as your last game and we have to start fresh again on Monday.’