Leeds ace Patrick Bamford gives his verdict on whether he should be in the England squad

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Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has given his thoughts on whether he should be under consideration for a spot in the England team, in conversation with talkSPORT.

The 27-year-old has begun the Premier League campaign in superb form, registering six goals and two assists in six top-flight games.

Bamford scored a goal in each of Leeds’ opening three league fixtures, also getting two assists in the 4-3 win over Fulham.

His standout performance this season, however, came last Friday in the 3-0 hammering of Aston Villa, the Englishman netting a hat-trick.

After a goalless first half in the West Midlands, Bamford slotted home on the rebound in the 55th minute following Rodrigo’s saved effort.

Bamford then smashed in a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box on 67 minutes before curling home a deft effort inside the box seven minutes later.

The forward’s early-season form has led to calls for him to be considered for his first England call-up, and speaking to talkSPORT, he gave his thoughts on the matter.

“That would be a dream [come true],” said Bamford. “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.”

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Even as Leeds got promoted last term, some fans didn’t think Bamford was clinical enough at Championship level, while plenty more questioned whether he’d be able to cut it in the Premier League.

Needless to say, the £35,000-a-week Whites striker has answered his critics in style and hopefully, with momentum behind him, he can carry on delivering as Leeds carry on making their mark in the top flight.

While nobody’s expecting a ratio of a goal per game throughout an entire season (unless we’re talking about Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo) the springboard for a healthy goal tally – perhaps 20-plus – is certainly in place.