Townsend ´honoured´ to receive England call-up

Andros Townsend said he was honoured to receive an England call-up and insists he is desperate to make the plane for the upcoming Euro 2016.

Townsend was named in Roy Hodgson’s 26-man provisional squad ahead of Euro 2016 thanks to his form for Newcastle United in the second half of the Premier League season.

The 24-year-old began the calendar year playing for Tottenham’s Under-21 side before making the switch to Tyneside at the end of the January transfer window. 

While Townsend was left disappointed at Newcastle’s season – which saw them relegated to the Championship – the defender said he was excited by the prospect of representing England at the Euros in France. 

“I am fresh, I have played 13 games this season,” Townsend said. “I am gutted the club season has ended because I am just getting into my stride.

“My confidence is back and I’m showing [what I can do] on the pitch and I am devastated the season is over.

“It’s great that the call from England has come.”

He added: “I missed out on the last World Cup because of injury. 

“Obviously I was down in the dumps because it would have been a dream to go to Brazil. It was an awful feeling to miss out.

“So I am honoured [to get a call-up]. It would make the Euros more special.

“As a player you want to be in the tournaments. I am desperate to do well for my country as well as my club.”