Thursday 19 May 2016 15:50, UK
Andros Townsend is keen to make Roy Hodgson’s job as difficult as possible as he looks to secure his place in the final 23-man England squad for Euro 2016.
Townsend struggled for form and game time with Tottenham at the start of the season but a £12m move to Newcastle in January has reinvigorated him.
The 24-year-old has turned in some impressive performances for the Magpies and although it was ultimately not enough to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, it helped secure a berth in Hodgson's provisional 26-man squad for this summer's tournament in France.
"Some people were reporting I was in the squad, some that I was out, so it was real relief when I was named in the provisional squad. Now it is up to me to force my way into the final 23," Townsend told Sky Sports News HQ.
"The start of the season was a disappointment but I always had the faith that if I could get a run of games, my form would get back to where I want it to be and I could break back into the England squad.
"It has worked out that way, so I am delighted."
Hodgson is known for showing loyalty to players he feels have performed well for England, regardless of how they are doing at club level.
The manager has to pick 23 players and it is going to be extremely difficult for him. My job is to make it even more difficult with my performances on the pitch.
Townsend knows that may not be enough to secure a place in the manager's final selection, though, and he is keen to impress in the upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Australia before the squad is trimmed.
"I know loyalty is not going to get me on the plane to France, I need to play well in the friendlies if I am given game time," added Townsend.
"The manager has to pick 23 players from 26 and I know it is going to be extremely difficult for him. My job is to make it even more difficult with my performances on the pitch.
"Hopefully I can do enough to make that final cut."
Townsend has been reunited with five former Spurs colleagues at England's training camp at St George's Park and he admits he is pleasantly surprised by just how well they performed this season.
"They have been incredible. We all knew they had talent but for Tottenham to be challenging for the title so soon, the manager [Mauricio Pochettino] has done a fantastic job and that will benefit England not only at this tournament, but in the future as well," he said.
"You look at the likes of Dele Alli, he has no fear, and if he gets the chance in France he will play with the same freedom.
"We have got a great squad and players playing at the very highest level. We will be a match for anyone, whichever squad the manager takes out.
"We are going to be challenging and hopefully we can go all the way. Whichever 23 the manager picks, I am sure they are not going to fear anyone out in France."
