Andre Villas-Boas admits surprise at Andros Townsend call-up to England squad

Roy Hodgson selected the Tottenham midfielder for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley (GETTY IMAGES)

Andre Villas-Boas is annoyed with Roy Hodgson for not consulting him over Andros Townsend's England call-up.

Townsend received his first international call-up on Tuesday when he was named in the Three Lions squad for the two upcoming qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

But rather than express delight at Townsend's achievement, Villas-Boas admitted he was "surprised" to hear about the 22-year-old's selection.

Hodgson handed call-ups to Steven Caulker and Tom Huddlestone for last year's friendly in Sweden, but they have not played since while Jake Livermore has been discarded by England after just one cap.

Villas-Boas is fearful that Townsend, who has started the season well for Spurs, may end up heading down the same path.

"I was surprised (when he was called up)," the Tottenham manager said.

"I would like to give you a little bit more information but the fact (is) that I wasn't contacted in any way or form by Roy Hodgson regarding the player call-up.

"I would have preferred to give my opinion on the fact that he gets called up so soon."

Townsend performed well for Spurs in the opening two league games and he also scored a stunning goal in the club's 5-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi last week.

But Villas-Boas believes Townsend's development will be hindered if he loses his place in the national squad just like Livermore, Caulker and Huddlestone, who have all now left Spurs after failing to hold down a regular first-team place last season.

"If there is continuity to the future of Andros in the national team, it's a great step for him," the former Chelsea manager said.

"If there is no continuity in the future, if his performances change in some way or if the player doesn't get involved in Tottenham and, in the end, he gets dried out then it's a big surprise for me, because I think a player who gets called up for the national team after two games should have respect and continuity towards the future.

"So I assume from this moment that there will be that belief. I can recall, last season, we had Jake Livermore, Tom Huddlestone, Steven Caulker, called up for England. At the moment, it doesn't seem to have any continuity there."

PA