England have consistently been poor in all the international tournaments they have participated. In what has become a norm, a bevy of talented and promising players turn up for the national camp and raise hopes of a nation, only for their run to end in a whimper every single time. But England does possess a number of players who have the potential to propel this team into a word beater. Last season’s sensational runs of Leicester and Tottenham saw the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy being thrust into national scrutiny in the Euros.
With the World Cup qualifiers coming up, Charlie Austin’s name has cropped up amongst the ones who deserve an England call-up. It has been an ongoing debate for quite a while now, but the Southampton man has missed out till now.
Here are 3 reasons why we believe the time has finally come for Austin to get his chance in the England team.
INJURY AND FORM OF THE OTHERS
Harry Kane is currently sidelined for Spurs and although he is expected to be declared fit within the stipulated period it will be a gamble to rely on his fitness with the heavy workload surrounding the fixtures. Coming to Daniel Sturridge, his chances in the Liverpool team have been few and far in between which makes it a risky decision to make him the lone striker. Similarly, Jamie Vardy has failed to hit the high notes of last season and hasn’t clicked till now. And Wayne Rooney is not deemed fit to be an out and out striker anymore.
CHARLIE AUSTIN’S FORM
There was a degree of surprise when Austin was not called up after scoring 18 goals despite being a part of a QPR outfit that got relegated. He was considered an absolute steal at £4m and duly ended up with Southampton, who made one of the best value for money deals in the January transfer window.
He has started off this season in an extremely positive manner and has scored 5 goals already in all competitions. With the former QPR man heading the form table ahead of his nearest competitors, it is evident he needs to be selected.
SURPRISE FACTOR?
Charlie Austin is a relatively unknown quantity in international circles and he has mainly performed for QPR and Burnley which has shielded him from the prying eyes of other national teams. He will certainly be a surprise factor with his deceptive ability to ghost in behind defenders and despite not being the tallest, he is a good header of the ball.
Either way, it is about time Charlie Austin donned the England jersey.
