SOUTHGATE GETS TIMELY REMINDER

PATRICK BAMFORD reminded everyone why he should be in Gareth Southgate’s England plans as he wrecked Fulham’s hopes of climbing out of the danger zone.

Not only did Bamford score his 14th league goal of the season a day after Southgate had left him out of this month’s World Cup qualifiers, but he also set up Raphinha for Leeds’ winner after Joachim Andersen had equalised for Fulham.

Bamford was too clever and too cute for the Cottagers. Were you watching, Gareth?

Southgate instead opted for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, saying it had been a close call. That would not have been much consolation for the 27-year-old but this performance would.

Fulham boss Scott Parker had said in the build-up to this crucial clash for his team that it was time for his players to start turning promising performances into wins.

There was no more room for ‘battled hard’ or ‘gutsy’. There had been plenty of that. What was needed was a win, pure and simple.

Fulham had emerged with three points from a tough run-up to this game – against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City. That needed to be followed up last night but this was a major setback for Parker.

The warning signs were there early when Fulham had a massive escape as Luke Ayling headed home.

But VAR ruled his effort out for offside against Tyler Roberts.

Leeds were lively and looking dangerous, stretching Fulham and closing down with ferocious energy.

Raphinha had the ball in the net but the linesman’s flag again waved.

Fulham almost got a foothold when Leeds failed to clear and Josh Maja shot on the turn.

Illan Meisler half stopped the ball and Ayling cleared off the line.

But Leeds were not to be denied, Jack Harrison crossed low and Bamford got there before Tosin Adarabioyo to rifle home. Fulham