England call up Townsend as injured Sterling withdraws

Monday 03 Oct 2016
Andros Townsend in action for England against Australia

Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend has been called up to the England squad following the withdrawal of Raheem Sterling through injury.

Manchester City winger Sterling is ruled out of the upcoming games against Malta and Slovenia, meaning Townsend returns to the group for the first time since the pre-Euro 2016 friendlies against Turkey and Australia.

25-year-old Townsend, who has 11 caps and three international goals to his name, has impressed since joining Palace from Newcastle United in the summer. The wide-man has been an ever-present for the Eagles in the Premier League this term, scoring in last month’s 4-1 win over Stoke City.

Interim manager Gareth Southgate named his squad for the Three Lions’ next two World Cup qualifiers on Sunday evening, with the players due to report to St. George’s Park on Tuesday.

 

Watch Townsend's excellent goal from England's 1-1 draw with Italy in 2015

 

By Jim Lucas