Andros Townsend banged in a right-footed shot to provide a good foothold in England’s 4-1 win over Montenegro.
A surprise start saw many England fans a bit belittled by Roy Hodgson’s choice, but it was a choice that paid off in the end. Andros played a very solid debut, bringing in a new dimension for England, practically carrying the ball from his own half to open up play for a Wayne Rooney goal to take the lead. After his 9 loans, he has finally flourished. He isn’t the finished product, far from it, but he is certainly a talented fellow.
For Tottenham, Townsend is a talent that could eventually be a player capable of getting his club to greater things. With great pace and skill he is capable of beating his opposite number and getting in a cross or his signature cannon of a shot. Direct in his running and shooting can sometimes be a little frustrating, but the more you shoot the more chance you have of scoring. While big name signings of Erik Lamela still settle, Townsend can prove himself a player good enough for a regular spot in the first team, perhaps not just for Tottenham, but England.
Youthful still, Townsend does still have much to learn, but that is common for young players. Five years on and we may have a very complete winger indeed. He seems already capable of cutting in on the right or even just crossing with his weaker foot. England experience will undoubtedly mature him as a player and as a young man, and to play alongside the calm and collected hands of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, their experience will no doubt rub off on him.
Could he perhaps push Aaron Lennon and Lamela out of a first team place? On his day, then he could. But, we haven’t seen the best of Lamela yet and Lennon is just coming back from his foot injury so let’s not jump too far. Townsend must make his impact now and put the pressure on the other right wingers in order to sustain his place. The lad is talented, he will no doubt be playing in Spurs’ first team in the years to come, and that will be a dream come true for the Tottenham supporting winger.
Thanks for reading! You can follow me on twitter – @Wizward. Give the site a follow while you’re at it – @LastWordOnSport.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football or with our new IRC football Chat.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? Find more info at our “Join Our Team” page.
