Paul Merson thrilled by Patrick Bamford in Leeds win, makes big England claim

Paul Merson was left thrilled by Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford in their 2-1 victory against Fulham on Friday evening.

The Whites forward scored the opener and assisted the winner for Raphinha at Craven Cottage despite playing through the pain barrier.

Despite his success in the Premier League, Gareth Southgate decided to overlook Bamford in his latest England squad this week in favour of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Saturday, Merson claimed that the Three Lions have missed a massive trick by leaving Bamford out.

"Bamford plays as good as anybody on his own upfront," he said.

"I really think they've missed a trick with the England one, I think if Harry Kane isn't playing, he has a presence, he brings people into the game.

"He's got a little bit of arrogance about him as well, that I don't think you'd put him into the England set-up and he'd be looking around sheepish."

Baffling.

We still can't understand the decision from Southgate and England.

The only positive about the call was that we can now allow Bamford to rest, recover and come back firing on all cylinders after the international break.

A 75% fit Bamford still managed to score, assist and cause more havoc than Watkins has the majority of defences in the Premier League this season.

Harry Kane is the only Englishman to score more goals in the Premier League this season, and Bamford has a better shot accuracy - something that tells you everything you need to know.

This decision benefits the Whites, but we can't help but think that Bamford will be gutted and rightly so after his unbelievable season so far.

In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports pundit in awe of Illan Meslier in win v Fulham