Ex-England international Paul Merson has continued his public spat with Andros Townsend by challenging the winger to "win some medals" before getting too far ahead of himself.
Merson questioned the Three Lions star's international credentials earlier this week as he suggested that the Tottenham Hotspur man is not good enough to make the squad, although after finding the net in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Italy, Townsend retorted via social media within minutes of the full-time whistle.
Having initially stayed quiet on Wednesday, Merson has now used his weekly column in the Daily Star to hit back at his rival, claiming that Townsend still has a long way to go before he can start boasting.
"I think he should concentrate on playing football, to be honest, and don't worry about me," he said. "I'd also say win some medals first before you call it on.
"I have got no vendetta against him, but I am not going to sit here and say he is top drawer. He plays for England and I hope he does well. Don't think I sat there the other night and was upset for him when he scored. I was well pleased.
"But he's just got back at Tottenham for the last seven or eight games. Where has he been all season? And you can't say I am anti-Tottenham. There is no bigger fan of Harry Kane than me. I think he is unbelievable. You can't throw that Arsenal-Tottenham thing at me."
Townsend has made 34 appearances this season for club and country, scoring eight times.
Daniel Lewis
