Bryan King was surprised to see Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke called up to the England squad for the October international break.
The ex-Spurs scout hasn’t been impressed by the striker since he arrived in North London from Bournemouth.
As per BBC Sport (3 October), Lee Carsley has named Solanke in his England squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures with Greece (10 October) and Finland (13 October).
However, King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – doesn’t feel the call-up was deserved.
“My reaction to the decision was one of surprise,” King said.
“To be honest, I couldn’t really work it out. He cost a lot of money and scored some goals. However, they weren’t exactly spectacular goals, and his work has been nothing spectacular either.
“Obviously, Carsley has seen something which I haven’t seen. We have to assume that he knows him from Bournemouth. Playing Greece and Finland, they aren’t exactly the biggest nations in the world either.”
Tottenham star Dominic Solanke set to represent England
This is Solanke’s first England call-up in seven years. However, whether or not he will take to the field at all remains to be seen.
It can be debated whether or not Solanke is deserving of this call-up. While he has scored three goals in his last three games, he didn’t exactly make a quick start to life at Tottenham.
And with the likes of Morgan Rogers and James Maddison, who has started the season well for Spurs, left behind, it does raise a few questions.
Ange Posteoglou will no doubt be concerned about Solanke staying fit over the coming weeks.
The Australian already has another “serious” injury issue to contend with and can’t afford any more problems in that department. However, for Solanke, this is a huge opportunity.
Should he get on the pitch and make an impact, it will give him plenty of confidence upon his return to Spurs.
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