Skip to content

Jamie Vardy not yet an England regular, says Peter Taylor

England player Jamie Vardy in action
Image: Vardy in action for England earlier this season

Former Leicester manager Peter Taylor says Jamie Vardy is far from the finished article and must improve his all-round game before being considered an England regular.

Vardy, who has been capped four times by his country this year, heads into Saturday's Sky Live showdown with Manchester United one goal shy of setting a new Premier League record.

The 28-year-old has netted in 10 consecutive league matches and one more against Louis van Gaal's side at the King Power Stadium will see him eclipse former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's previous mark.

But despite the former Fleetwood Town striker's goalscoring feat, Taylor, who managed England for one match during his time in charge at Filbert Street in 2000, claims he must address his shortcomings to be considered a first pick up front by Roy Hodgson.

Speaking to Sky Sports Now he said: "If I was a centre half I wouldn't want to play against him. He doesn't give you any time when you are on the ball. 

Leicester City's English striker Jamie Vardy (2nd L) scores his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United
Image: Vardy scores in 10th consecutive league match against Newcastle last weekend

"He has come from a non-league background and all of a sudden he is grabbing his opportunity. He is enjoying every second of it and I don't think he will let his standards drop

"But one thing I would say about Vardy is that I am not sure he is an England player at the minute because I don't think he is good enough with his back to goal. If you play two up front you can play him wide but I think that takes away a little bit of his strength.

Also See:

"Playing for Leicester City at the minute he looks a very, very good player, but whether he is an England regular or starter... I am not sure."

Live Ford Saturday Night Football

Around Sky