Andros Townsend's 25-yard strike against Montenegro has been voted by fans as England's best during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Tottenham Hotspur winger burst onto the scene late in 2013 and smashed home his important goal in the Three Lions' penultimate qualifier at Wembley Stadium.
Not only was it a fine finish from the 22-year-old, but it gave England a 3-1 lead in a game they needed to win to keep their World Cup destiny in their own hands.
The Top Three
- 1. Andros Townsend, Montenegro (H), 11.10.13 (29%)
- 2. Steven Gerrard, v Poland (H) 15.10.13 (25%)
- 3. Ashley Young, v San Marino (A), 22.03.13 (11%)
Earlier this month we asked fans to pick their favourite from our shortlist of ten England goals on the road to Brazil.
While Townsend scooped a hefty 29 per cent of votes, he only just edged out captain Steven Gerrard, who picked up 25 per cent.
Gerrard was on the list twice but it was his effort that clinched victory over Poland in October, and with it a place at the Finals next summer, that was chosen in second spot.
In third place was a screamer from Ashley Young, scored in the away victory over San Marino back in March.
Roy Hodgson congratulates Andros Townsend
England boss Roy Hodgson himself reviewed the goals and was naturally delighted with Townsend's pearler.
“My favourite, if we're talking about the quality of the strike - and there were some very good ones - was Townsend's goal,” Hodgson told TheFA.com.
“There was their goal at 2-1 that suddenly gave Montenegro a bit of hope but we quickly quelled it with that wonderful third goal and finished them off with the penalty.”
"This, of course, was Andros's debut goal brilliantly struck," he added. "We were pleased with that one!"
To see Townsend's goal again, check out the video in the player at the top of the page.
