Patrick Bamford is in a “difficult position” when it comes to the England set up, says ex-Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer.
Bamford won his first cap last weekend after making his Three Lions debut against Andorra.
The 28-year-old was, of course, not selected for Euro 2020, with Gareth Southgate spoilt for choice in that striker position.
Can Bamford keep his England spot?
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Captain Harry Kane and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin were picked ahead of him for the tournament, while Marcus Rashford represented another option that the England manager could use up front.
With such forwards at disposal, Palmer feels Bamford is in a difficult position, though he still expects the former Chelsea man to remain in Southgate’s thinking if he maintains the form he has shown over the last year.
“Listen, you get your opportunities. I got my call-up because there were a lot of injuries in the squad and then I took my opportunity and stayed in the England team for several years after that,” the ex-England international exclusively told FFC.
“Obviously he’s in a difficult position because of the strikers that we possess in the country – he’s up against it. But if he keeps on scoring for Leeds United, keeps his performances at a nice standard, which they are, he’s always going to be there or thereabouts.”
Bamford also has to compete against the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, who will be hoping to force their way into Southgate’s plans, too. So there is certainly a lot of competition for those few striker spots in England’s squad.