England player Andros Townsend has hit back at ex-Arsenal great Paul Merson after scoring a goal from range to earn his national side a 1-1 draw against Italy.

Sky Sports pundit Merson has previously claimed that Townsend shouldn't be anywhere near England squad.

Not bad for a player that should be 'nowhere near the squad' ay @PaulMerse ? pic.twitter.com/kQyFcZdY9N — andros townsend (@andros_townsend) March 31, 2015

After the game, the winger said: "I was delighted. It was a difficult game and hard to break them down. It was going to have to be a strike from 25 yards to score today.

"It was a nightmare to be at the World Cup and not play because I was injured. The manager stuck by me through the tough times and every time he has shown me loyalty I have repaid that."

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