Newcastle winger Andros Townsend has been in fine form recently, which has led to calls for Townsend to be included in the England side but Townsend has other ideas, telling the club’s website “I’m not letting my mind think about England”.
January signing Townsend has been a key figure in the Magpies’ recent revival, creating several goals as well as scoring four times – including the stunning free kick which gave Rafa Benitez’s side all three points against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
On Saturday’s free-kick Townsend said:
It’s probably the most important club goal of my career, to be honest.
Townsend was injured shortly after his arrival with a hamstring injury but since his return to full fitness he has been in fine form with some excellent displays and some good goals along the way, although Saturday’s free-kick against Crystal Palace was right out of the top drawer.
Townsend had this to say about a possible England recall:
You can see how much we have to focus on Newcastle at the minute so no, I’m not letting my mind think about England.
The manager (Hodgson) knows my game inside out and he knows what I can do; if he feels that I can offer something, if he wants a player like myself in the squad, he’ll pick me like he’s shown before.
But no, I’m not thinking about it. My main focus is helping Newcastle stay in the Premier League.
If anything happens on the back of that, then great – if not, then I’ll go away and prepare for next season.
If Townsend can keep this kind of form going he will give England manager Roy Hodgson will have a tough decision to make ahead of the European Championships.
