Bamford discusses Daniel James deal after outlining England ambitions
Patrick Bamford gave a motivational message when reacting to his England call-up, while also commenting on Leeds United’s signing of Daniel James.
Bamford recently earned his first England call-up for the upcoming international break. He finally proved himself at Premier League level with Leeds last season after playing a major part in getting them back to the top flight. Although he missed out on the Euro 2020 squad, he has now earned his reward.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured and Harry Kane the only other centre-forward in the squad, there is a strong chance that Bamford will make his international debut in one of England’s three upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary, Andorra and Poland.
Bamford will have turned 28 by the time the international break finishes. Nearly eight years have passed since the last of his two appearances for the England under-21 team. But he is finally ready to make his mark for the senior side.
The former Chelsea product said at a press conference on Tuesday: “Not every player’s career pathway is the same.
“At different times in your career you have different obstacles in the way. I always believed it was going to happen and hoped I would get to this level.
“Without speaking out loud, I always had that self belief I was capable. I knew I would never give up until the day I retired.”
Bamford pointed to the impact his clubmate Kalvin Phillips made for England at the Euros as another reason to back himself.
Phillips started every game for England at the tournament, winning over many of his remaining doubters by forming an effective partnership with Declan Rice that helped steer the nation to the final.
His Leeds colleague Bamford is eager to prove himself in similar fashion.
He added: “I’m excited to grab any opportunity I can get, hopefully do the same as what Kalvin did. A lot of people didn’t understand why he was in the team and then the Euros he had was fantastic.
“People now understand and realise what a great player he is.”
Bamford reacts to James signing
Although Bamford was there to speak about his international duties, there was time for him to answer a question about Leeds as well.
His club have just wrapped up the signing of long-term target Daniel James to give them another option out wide.
Bamford is hoping to benefit from the dynamic Wales international’s arrival.
He said: “I think it would be easy to say he brings extreme pace but we have played against him a few times in the Premier League and you can see he has quality as well.
“I am sure he has a lot to offer and hopefully he can provide a fair few assists.”
READ MORE: Sean Dyche reveals Burnley tried to sign Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips
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