Townsend: I had to join Crystal Palace to save England career

Winger Andros Townsend has revealed fears over his international future prompted his summer switch to Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Newcastle United in January 2016 but, with the Magpies relegated, Townsend was on the move again this summer.

And though he admits he loved his time at Newcastle, Townsend felt relegation forced his hand if he had any desire to play for England again.

Townsend said: “Everyone on the outside says, ‘he’s left Newcastle, gone to Palace, it must be about the money’.

(Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

“But no one seems to think us players are actually motivated by getting the best out of themselves, making the most of our career, playing in the greatest division in the world.

“England featured in that decision.

“Roy (Hodgson) did say it didn’t matter if I was playing in the Premier League or Championship. But when he left, I knew if I was playing in the Championship it would be nigh-on impossible to get in the squad. So it was a factor.”

Townsend’s decision has seemingly been vindicated after he was called into the England squad earlier this week by interim-boss Gareth Southgate, replacing the injured Raheem Sterling.