Bamford torments Fulham to press England claim

Patrick Bamford cannot yet call himself an England striker, having been overlooked by Gareth Southgate this week, although that moment is no doubt getting closer for the Leeds United forward, who continues to be one of the season’s great revelations.

Bamford is in Southgate’s thoughts, to the extent that many expected him to be chosen when the national squad was announced this week. Indeed, there was some surprise when he was not selected and, on the evidence of this performance at least, one wonders whether he was not a little angered himself.

“If I keep going as I am, I think I’m in with a shot,” he said of his England chances. “If you told me at the start of the season I would be linked with England, I would say you were bonkers. If it comes, it comes. If not, I’ll know I’ve done my best. It was in the back of my mind a little, I guess. It gives you a bit of an extra fire in your belly.”

Scott Parker’s side had the misfortune of coming up against a striker at his clinical and creative best in key moments, despite not being fully fit. Fulham are starting to run

Sinking feeling: Raphinha steers in the winner for Leeds as Fulham waste a chance to escape the Premier League relegation places

out of time in their battle against relegation and, for all their improvements, do not have enough points to show for it. The gap to safety is two points, though Newcastle and Brighton have each played two games fewer.

Fulham fought commendably, scoring through Joachim Andersen,

but in Bamford the visitors had the game’s decisive player. The 27-yearold struck a fine opener in the first half for Marcelo Bielsa’s side before creating the winner, for the irrepressible Raphinha, in the second.

The need for points is increasingly pressing for Fulham. As the game wore on, they struggled to

create the chances they needed against opponents who were typically energetic and relentless in their attacking.

“The better team won,” said Parker. “We struggled with their intensity at times and couldn’t cope. We need to learn from tonight, and be very honest with ourselves.

Leeds are the best in the league at making the game erratic, and we never got a foothold in the game.”

The only pace is full pace for Leeds, who twice had the ball in Fulham’s net before finally scoring one that counted. Luke Ayling and Raphinha had both been denied by the offside flag, but there was no stopping Bamford, who lashed home his 14th goal of the season from Jack Harrison’s volleyed cross.

Andersen’s strike, on the volley from a corner, marked the 11th time Leeds have conceded from corners this campaign – three more than any other side.

Fulham should have taken the lead after the break through Ademola Lookman, who fluffed his effort. But within a few moments Leeds were ahead again. Bamford was at the heart of it, running at the Fulham defence after the home side had lost possession cheaply. He found Raphinha, at full tilt on his right. Under heavy pressure, the Brazilian was able to toe the ball inside the near post.

Fulham pushed, as they had to, but could not improve in the game. If they cannot do so over the next few weeks, their fight will be lost. Fulham

Subs Booked Leeds United

Subs

Referee