Mills ‘shocked’ by Bamford news at Leeds
Danny Mills has admitted he was “shocked” Patrick Bamford of Leeds United earned an England call up ahead of Mason Greenwood.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England defender also claimed there was no guarantee Bamford would earn his first cap in the upcoming games.
Bamford scored 17 times in the Premier League last season – Harry Kane was the only Englishman to score more.
Despite his fine form, the striker was snubbed by Gareth Southgate with Dominic Calvert-Lewin acting as Kane’s understudy at the Euros.
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins also earned his first cap during last season.
However, Bamford finally has his chance as he is part of a 25-man group that will face Hungary and Poland in World Cup qualifiers next month.
“It’ll certainly give him more confidence and belief, it should do,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Whether he gets on or not and whether he’s involved we’ll have to wait and see.
“Bit it was a little bit of a shock with no Mason Greenwood who I think is a fantastic striker.
“Maybe it’s an opportunity for Bamford because he was fantastic last season and was there or thereabouts.
“Maybe Gareth knows what Mason Greenwood can do and he wasn’t planning on using him. If he wasn’t going to use him, he can see what Bamford can do and give him an opportunity in training and see what he can do.”
As quoted by BBC Sport on 26 August, Southgate admitted Bamford was “very close” to his squad for the European Championship.
The England boss praised the 27-year-old’s “fantastic” campaign last season.
In other news, a bold Leeds United player prediction has been dropped as he is spotted jetting out of England.