Perseverance goes unrewarded as Patrick Bamford's England debut against Andorra analysed - Leeds Live 6/9/21


The Leeds United marksman endured a frustrating 62 minutes on his first appearance for the England senior side

Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford was handed his long-awaited senior England debut last night, starting in the World Cup qualifying win over Andorra.

A goal would have been the perfect way to mark his first appearance for the Three Lions, and his 28th birthday, but he endured a frustrating 62 minutes before being replaced by Harry Kane.

England boss Gareth Southgate has a plethora of creative talent at his disposal but a midfield three comprised of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham struggled to get England on the front foot at the pace required to carve open Andorra.

Although Bellingham looked bright, the Liverpool duo alongside him rendered Bamford's runs futile as they looked to spread the ball wide at every opportunity, regardless of how much space the Leeds man had created.

At Elland Road, his intelligent movement is regularly rewarded with incisive passes into his feet or into space but at Wembley, he was left starved of service and cut a frustrated figure.

Andorra's status as minnows on the international stage does not mean scoring against them is a simple task for forwards and their low block meant Bamford had to work hard to find pockets of space. With Andorra's midfield almost sitting on the toes of their centre-backs at times, the 28-year-old had to work tirelessly to find openings, making it all the more frustrating when he was not picked out.

It would be unfair to level much criticism at Bamford considering he was given little to work with, but he will have been disappointed with himself when he sliced a shot off-target early in the second-half.

The opportunity to make amends never came and seeing Jack Grealish and Mason Mount come on as Bamford left was cruel in its irony, as they would perhaps have been the players to bring him into the game.

It remains to be seen whether Bamford will be handed another opportunity to impress on the international stage, but it is to be hoped he is given more assistance if he does don the number nine shirt again.

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