World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 15, 2013 at 8pm UK

England
2-0
Poland

Rooney (41'), Gerrard (88')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Ray Parlour backs Andros Townsend for England start

By Matt Cotton, Reporter

Published: October 15 2013 | 06:36

Last updated: October 16 2013 | 11:15

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour says that Andros Townsend deserves to start again for England on Tuesday in the crunch World Cup qualifier with Poland.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes that Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend deserves to start for England on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old picked up the Man of the Match award on his debut for the Three Lions on Friday after netting the third goal in a starring performance during their 4-1 win over Montenegro in Group H.

Parlour, who earned 10 caps for England, feels that Townsend has justified his claim to start in the must-win tie against Poland tonight.

"He deserves to play," Parlour told the media. "He scored a great goal and was always a threat on the right-hand side.

"He delivered good crosses into the box although Hodgson could take the safety option - by picking James Milner - but after that performance it is difficult to leave him out."

On a replacement for the suspended Kyle Walker, Parlour said: "Phil Jones is the likely replacement, maybe Chris Smalling, but Jones is more defensive-minded and with Leighton Baines an attacking player Jones would have to cover the centre-halves. And he's never let England down before."

England host Poland at Wembley with kick off getting underway at 8pm.