Brendan Rodgers has joined the growing list of public figures who back Danny Ings getting an England call-up following his scintillating form this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports News following Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton, in which Ings scored the winning goal for the Saints, the Northern Irish manager admitted that the 27-year-old attacker, who he used to coach during their time together at Liverpool, deserved to be part of Gareth Southgate’s next England squad.
Ings has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season, with stats from BBC Sport showing that the former Burnley star sits joint-second in the scoring charts for the English top-flight with 14 goals, more than both Sergio Aguero and England captain Harry Kane.
Has Ings been Southampton's best player this season?Yes, no question about itNo, others have been more important |
The Southampton no. 9 has been arguably the Saints best player this season, being a driving force behind the club’s incredible rise from the relegation zone to fighting for a top-half finish in the Premier League, and Rodgers backed Ings to be rewarded with an England call-up for his efforts this campaign.
The Foxes boss said if Ings should be called-up by Southgate: “Yeah, there’s no doubt. When he was at his best in and around Liverpool, he was certainly a player for that there. I would say he would be in consideration for that. Danny has always been an outstanding player. He has an eye for goal, wants to run in behind.
Rodgers later added with: “His goal was (typical) Danny Ings. Off the shoulder, in behind and he finishes it well. He just needs to keep the consistency and availability and he’ll show he’s one of the best strikers about.”
Ings has shown the season after so much bad luck with injuries that he is finally hitting his stride with Southampton under Ralph Hasenhuttl, and his incredible run of form should see the attacker be named in the England squad for the first time since 2015.
