Andros Townsend recalls 'buzz' of beating Buffon

Friday 05 Jun 2015
Andros Townsend scored his third screamer for England in Turin

Andros Townsend will sit down to watch the Champions League Final on Saturday night and be reminded of his most recent England strike. 

The Tottenham Hotspur forward was a second-half substitute smashing home the equaliser for the Three Lions when they drew 1-1 with Italy in Turin last time out

It was his third goal from distance for Roy Hodgson's men in his seventh appearance. 

Republic of Ireland v England

International Match
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
1pm Sunday 7 June 2015
Live on ITV 1

And the keeper he beat with his 25 yard screamer – Gianluigi Buffon – will be between the sticks for Juventus when they go head to head with Barcelona for the European Cup. 

"I knew it was a friendly, the manager had six subs to use and that, if it wasn’t going our way, maybe he might call upon me," recalled Townsend. 

"So I was ready, and luckily enough he brought me on and I scored an important goal. 

"It’s a huge buzz to score for England, no matter who the opposition is, whether it’s San Marino or Italy. 

"To come on and get a goal to earn a draw away in Italy – against one of the best goalkeepers who has ever played the game – I was on a high for a good few days after that. 

"For me to score against a goalkeeper like Buffon, who is playing in the Champions League Final, is massive for my confidence." 

Gianluigi Buffon sees Townsend's strike ripple the net in Turin

Townsend's England career could not have started any better with a crucial debut goal in the 4-1 win over Montenegro at Wembley in 2013 – and it helped seal qualification for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old has now netted in his last two outings for his country, but knows he must keep working hard to earn more playing time for Hodgson.

"Every time we meet up, every match, every session, is a chance for me to impress the manager," he told TheFA.com. 

Watch: Andros Townsend's goal in Turin

 

"He is a big believer in players training well, so if you train well you will get your chance. That has been my mindset whenever I come away with England and if I can impress, then the manager might throw me on for 20 or 30 minutes. 

"It’s the pinnacle of you career to play for England so every time I am away with the team I don’t want to let that opportunity slip away. 

"If you don’t make an impression you could jeopardise your place in the squad."

The former Queens Park Rangers loanee is preparing with the Three Lions squad at St. George's Park for upcoming games against Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

Before the qualifier in Ljubljana on 14 June, England meet the Irish in Dublin on Sunday and it is a derby game Townsend is looking forward to being involved in.

And he may also come up against one of his former Spurs role-models – Ireland captain Robbie Keane.

"Hopefully I can get a chance again to have a run out in these two matches," said the Londoner.

Andros Townsend has three goals for England

"Although the Ireland game is a friendly, it’s going to be a competitive fixture. It will be similar to the England v Scotland match, a vibrant atmosphere away from home. 

"We are looking to go there and win the game first and foremost, but hopefully we can play well and that can help us in the qualifier to come in Slovenia next week."

He added: "I’ve trained and played with Robbie in friendlies, and was around the first team for a few years when he was there, so I know him well. 

"He was a world-class player, a top striker and finisher, so for me to be able watch someone like him at a young age was a huge honour and helped me learn too.

"To see him still scoring goals now is great for him, but hopefully the goals will dry up on Sunday!"

Following England's two games this month, they then return to action in September with an away trip to San Marino followed by their first home fixture of the new season against Switzerland. 

Tickets for that Euro Qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday 8 September are now available to order online from www.TheFA.com/tickets.

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor At St. George's Park