No place in England squad for Leeds United top goalscorer Patrick Bamford but Kalvin Phillips picked by Gareth Southgate
England manager Gareth Southgate has chosen only one Leeds United player for this month's fixtures, with no place for Patrick Bamford or Luke Ayling in his squad.
The Three Lions host San Marino next Thursday in World Cup Qualifying, before a visit to Albania on March 28 and a home game against Poland on March 31.
There had been speculation that Ayling would get a surprise call up from Southgate, but Bamford was thought more likely to join up with the national team for the first time. Only Kalvin Phillips will represent Leeds for England during the international break however. Southgate has added uncapped Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa to his England squad, however, joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling in the group of selected forwards.
Phillips is hoping to add to his quartet of England caps, all won under Southgate late last year.
Bamford's 13 goals in 28 Premier League appearances so far this season have caught the eye, particularly in light of the criticism he received for wastefulness in front of goal during Leeds' title-winning Championship campaign.
Yesterday Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa revealed that Bamford has had pain in his hip this week but should be able to play through it against Fulham on Friday night at Craven Cottage. The forward was substituted in the first half of last weekend's 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
The game against the Blues gave Phillips his second 90-minute appearance since a calf injury that kept him out for four games.