Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend is determined to win back his place in the England side, after making his first appearance of the season against Sunderland.
Townsend missed the start of the season through injury, but made his return as a substitute against Sunderland and enjoyed an excellent cameo as Spurs picked up their first win of the season, courtesy of a late Ryan Mason effort.
Having been something of a mainstay in Roy Hodgson’s England team since bursting onto the scene two years ago, Townsend has suffered from a lack of fitness and a lack of form, with even suggestions this summer he could leave White Hart Lane in search of regular first team football.
However, the 24-year-old told the Evening Standard that he is itching to return to regular football and fight for his place in Hodgson’s side saying: “The manager has always had faith in me over the last two years.
“Hopefully, if I can get a few starts for my club, or keep coming on and playing well, I can get into the next England squad.
“My aim is just to focus on Spurs and the England stuff will take care of itself.”
Townsend has been linked in recent times to the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa, the latter would see a reunion with former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, but the Spurs graduate is confident his ability will see him regain favour with Mauricio Pochettino and isn’t fazed by the club’s recent recruitment drive.
“This season there is different personnel but the same number of players, so I know if I can keep putting in good performances then I can break into that side,” he said.
“You’re never going to have just one player to fight for your place. When I spoke to the manager before the end of the season, I told him I hadn’t been happy with my fitness.
“The main aim was to get myself fit over the summer and make an impression in pre-season.
“It didn’t pan out that way and I was set back a few times, but now I’m fit I hope I can show what I can do.”
