Andros Townsend: The Real Deal?

Maybe Roy Hodgson should take a squad of debutantes to Rio next year, as it appears that players making their first appearance for England are always the star performers.

First, Rickie Lambert put in a very impressive when making his debut as a substitute against Scotland in a friendly and last night Andros Townsend rewarded Roy Hodgson’s faith in him by providing a man of the match performance for England as they beat Montenegro 4-1 at Wembley.

Townsend has had an interesting couple of months. Following Gareth Bale’s departure to Real Madrid the Tottenham man was promoted to the first team by Andre Villas Boas and he has been catching the eye of many a football fan. Roy Hodsgon’s eye was certainly caught as he gave Townsend a chance to display the same form for his country.

The winger did not disappoint as everything positive England did last night came from ol’ Andros. His pace created the opportunity for the cross that led to that all important first goal for England and with the game in the balance at 2-1, Townsend delivered the knockout blow with an excellent goal. 

And good on him. Townsend knew when Bale left that he would have a chance to showcase his talents and he hasn’t squandered that opportunity. If he continues to perform well throughout the rest of the season then Hodgson will have to seriously consider including him in the squad that he will take to Rio.

Hodgson took a risk by starting Townsend last night but it paid off and the manager will have healthy competition in that area with Theo Walcott returning soon.