Townsend tipped to edge out Walcott in Euro 2016 squad
Andros Townsend: Expected to make the cut over Theo Walcott
Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend is expected to beat Theo Walcott into Roy Hodgson’s initial Euro 2016 squad.
Hodgson makes his selection on Monday, and Townsend is preferred to Walcott in the initial enlarged squad of 25 players that the former Fulham and Liverpool boss is expected to name, before the May 31st deadline in which that will become 23.
Townsend admitted in January that he expected England opportunities to come based on his club form, having made the switch from Tottenham Hotspur.
“I’m not thinking about England at all” he was quoted as saying by The Sun.
“I know if I am playing well for Newcastle, scoring goals and getting assists, and helping Newcastle get three points and climb up the table, the England accolades will come with that.
“But first and foremost, I am just focusing on getting back to playing football and showing people what I can do.”
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson will also be named in the initial squad but will have to prove their fitness before the deadline, the Daily Mail reports.
They also state that Danny Drinkwater will be rewarded for an excellent season with Leicester City by getting a place in the enlarged squad, while Everton captain Phil Jagielka may not make the final 23 if Hodgson chooses to take seven defenders as opposed to eight.
