Is Danny Ings breathtaking form worthy of an England call-up?

Ings is enjoying an outstanding campaign with the Saints, currently second in the Premier League in goals with 13 in 21 appearances

Southampton marksman Danny Ings has played with numerous different clubs during his footballing career, but it definitely looks like the 27-year old has finally found a home on the South Coast.

After spending three seasons in Liverpool, the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah prevented Ings from seeing a lot of playing time at Anfield, so he requested a loan move away from Merseyside. He joined Southampton last season and showed numerous moments of brilliance throughout the campaign, scoring seven times in 24 appearances as the Saints fought off relegation.

After making his loan spell permanent last summer, Ings has thrived this season for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. He’s emerging as one of the most clinical finishers in England’s top flight while making England manager Gareth Southgate take note of his world-class form.

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Thanks to his ruthless abilities in the final third, the former Liverpool man is helping Southampton slowly climb up the Premier League table out of the relegation zone, currently sitting in 12th spot, tied with Everton with 25 points. They have been playing impressive football as of late, going 3-1-1 in their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day and a 1-0 win over Tottenham on New Year’s Day. Ings has definitely played his part in their winning spell, scoring nine goals in his last ten appearances. Throughout those ten fixtures, the Saints have gone 5-3-2.

The complete striker

Ings is proving to be one of the most deadly goal-scorers in England this year. The intriguing part about his form is that he is scoring goals of all kinds with both feet, showing that he is the complete striker. Ings has scored six of his 13 Premier League goals this term with his left foot, even though he’s naturally right-footed. To put this number into perspective, Ings scored no goals with his weaker foot last season.

It’s a part of his game that’s drastically improved, making him extremely difficult to defend against because he’s a threat from either side. His goal against Tottenham last week is the perfect example of the versatility he has with both feet. He ran onto a ball in behind from Jack Stephens, flipped a creative volley over Toby Alderweireld‘s head onto his weaker left foot, and slammed it home.

Ings has everything you need in a top striker, from speed, physical presence, skill, and the most important of all, the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. It’s taken time for him to really find his best, but he has found just that this season. Ings currently has more league goals this term than some of the world’s best strikers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Mo Salah, Harry Kane, and Neymar. Only four players in Europe’s top five leagues have netted more times than Ings. Jamie Vardy, Robert Lewandowski, Timo Werner, and Ciro Immobile.

Proving he deserves a call-up to England

England has a very strong squad heading into this summer’s European Championships, but Ings is making a strong case to earn a call-up. He’s made just one senior appearance with the Three Lions, but that could change soon. He will face competition up front with Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham also vying for a spot, but there is no doubt he will definitely be getting some consideration from Gareth Southgate. If he continues to score goals at this high rate, Ings should definitely have a spot on the squad for this summer’s tournament.

Whether he does or not, it’s great to see Danny Ings finding his best form with Southampton. He’s making himself a hot commodity in the Premier League by doing so, while helping the Saints remain in the Premier League. At just 27, these are his best days of football and he’s clearly making the most of them.