Gareth Southgate opens door for Jamie Vardy to make shock England return ahead of Euro 2020
GARETH SOUTHGATE has opened the door for Jamie Vardy to make a sensational England return.
The Leicester forward – who quit after the 2018 World Cup because of a lack of playing time – has scored three times this season.
Harry Kane is England’s first choice, with Marcus Rashford, Callum Wilson and Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham potential back-ups.
Southgate said: “With Jamie, it’s obvious how well he’s still playing, and the discussion we had at the time with him was always: ‘Look, neither of us close the door’.
“There’s no point in him travelling if he wasn’t going to be starting at his age and I can understand that.
“I wouldn’t see the point in bringing him back immediately but for sure, the door isn’t closed because he’s still a top player and still scoring important goals in big matches.
“He’s a character we have liked having around, so yes, that door has always been open between us.”
Abraham has also found his feet in the Premier League at Chelsea.
The forward grabbed two goals each recently at Norwich and at home to Sheffield United.
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Southgate added: “Tammy is a young player we’ve always liked, we know he will score goals.
“We felt it was a bit early this time, but we really can see that he can offer us something moving forward.
“We gave him a cap back in November of 2017.
“So, for sure, we need to make certain that he feels that the opportunity is going to be there.”