Ally McCoist reacts to reports that Leeds star could be called-up to England squad

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Ally McCoist has told TalkSPORT that he believes Patrick Bamford deserves the chance to impress in Gareth Southgate’s England side this month, amid reports the Leeds United top scorer is set to be handed his first call-up.

Bamford, 27, has been excellent for Leeds this season. Coming into the campaign, there were doubts that Bamford could score goals in the top tier – having netted 16 in the Championship last season, but missing a whole host of chances for Leeds.

But he has become much more lethal. In 28 Premier League appearances – the last of which he went off early during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea – Bamford has 18 goal involvements, scoring 13 goals and creating five more for Leeds.

The Guardian reported that Bamford is about to earn his first call-up, while Jesse Lingard could also be included thanks to his resurgent form on loan at West Ham. McCoist believes Bamford is more than deserving of earning his chance.

“Absolutely – particularly with the injuries to Tammy Abraham and Danny Ings,” McCoist told TalkSPORT’s Breakfast Show on Thursday morning. “You’d think automatically, he he has given himself the opportunity to impress under Gareth Southgate.

“The big question at the start of the season was, can he score goals at this level – in the top flight? He’s proved to everybody that he can.”

TBR’s view – Call-up deserved, but Euro 2021 place a different story

Given that Southgate has Abraham, Ings and even Callum Wilson out injured – and Ollie Watkins proving somewhat inconsistent – surely it is natural to hand Bamford the chance to wear the shirt? England take on San Marino, Albania and Poland.

They have those matches in the space of six days, and club managers will hardly want their players to feature for more than one start and a substitute appearance. Jose Mourinho will be applying the pressure on Southgate regarding Kane.

Bamford deserves a go and he deserves to perhaps, start against San Marino.