Keinan Davis targets England World Cup call-up after Udinese form
Udinese striker Keinan Davis is targeting a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup following a remarkable goalscoring renaissance in Serie A.
The 28-year-old has registered 10 goals and three assists in 26 league appearances this season.
Only Bayern Munich captain Harry Kane currently boasts more goal contributions among English centre-forwards playing in Europe’s top divisions.
It marks an extraordinary turnaround for a player who found himself at a career crossroads after falling out of favour at Aston Villa three years ago.
Swapping the Championship for San Siro
Following a series of injury-hit campaigns and loan spells in the second tier, the former Stevenage prospect faced a significant decision regarding his future in 2023.
A conversation with his former youth coach Dave Northfield ultimately convinced the frontman to reject domestic offers and embrace a new challenge in Italy.
“Then he just set it out to me about playing at the San Siro instead of in the Championship,” Davis said.
“When I put it into perspective, I thought this is a no-brainer.”
Villa exit and Golden Boot pursuit
The gamble to swap English football for the Italian flight has paid spectacular dividends.
The powerful forward now finds himself firmly in the race for the Serie A Golden Boot, trailing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez by just four goals.
Such elite form is a far cry from the end of his six-year stint at Villa Park, where loan moves to Nottingham Forest and Watford signalled an impending permanent departure.
“When I finished with Nottingham Forest and came back to Villa, just from how I was being treated when I got back, I knew it was kind of over,” he added.
“I didn’t have conversations with anyone to stay.”
Solving Tuchel’s attacking dilemma
With the World Cup rapidly approaching, England manager Tuchel is actively evaluating his attacking options to support Kane.
The ex-Villa man’s physicality, hold-up play and newly discovered clinical edge could offer a highly effective tactical profile for the national team.
Having proven his ability to score consistently in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, the Bedfordshire-born star has timed his peak form perfectly.
