Townsend staying grounded after dream England debut

Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Tottenham winger Andros Townsend insists he will stay grounded despite enjoying a dream England debut in Friday's 4-1 win over Montenegro at Wembley.

The 22-year-old was a surprise selection by Roy Hodgson for the crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley but repaid the faith of the national team boss with a match-winning display.

It was Townsend's 50-yard dash that opened the door for Wayne Rooney to score the opening goal and he capped a memorable night by lashing home from 25 yards to put England 3-1 up.

Victory for the Three Lions leaves them one win away from a place at next summer's World Cup in Brazil, but Townsend is determined not to get carried away.

“It hasn’t sunk in at the moment and I haven’t allowed it to because we’ve got another big game on Tuesday," he told Tottenham's official website. “That’s the best thing, to keep my feet on the ground and try not to get carried away.”

Townsend insists a 'no fear' approach was his greatest weapon during the game and was thrilled that it paid off on the big stage.

“No matter who I’m playing against, I look to play the same way,” he added. “I look to take people on, make things happen and try to get my shots off. It all came together. It couldn’t have gone any better.”