Moussa Sissoko will be the only player to represent Newcastle United at the European Championships this summer as Andros Townsend and Paul Dummett were both axed by their countries.

Sissoko won’t be a popular choice to represent Newcastle

Sissoko scores at World Cup in 2014 (Photo: fifa.com)
Sissoko scores at World Cup in 2014 (Photo: fifa.com)

If Didier Deschamps' decision rested on Sissoko’s performances on Tyneside this season, Sissoko should be counting his blessings.

The French midfielder has been an unpopular figure on Tyneside this season following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Fans criticised Sissoko’s effort throughout the season where his performances could only manage one goal in 37 appearances along with seven assists. It wasn’t the lack of goals that lead to Sissoko's downfall, it was his lack of heart and passion in his displays.

It wouldn’t be wrong to think that Sissoko always thought he could do better than United with the annual “I want to play Champions League football” interview infuriated the Geordies - his performances merited Championship football. Now, with Newcastle now preparing for life in the second division of English football, it is highly likely that he wont be around much longer.

A recent poll with the Chroniclelive.co.uk revealed that a staggering 41.8% of fans want to see Sissoko depart this summer.

Townsend can count himself unlucky

Townsend celebrates scoring for England (Photo: express.co.uk)
Townsend celebrates scoring for England (Photo: express.co.uk)

Fans may have been concerned if Townsend went to the Euros, it would have increased his chance of leaving the club this summer, but no Newcastle fans would say that he didn’t deserve to go.

Townsend was arguably one of the reason why Newcastle came close to staying up with his solid performances under Rafael Benitez with them performances earning him an England recall for the first time since October 2014.

The ex-Tottenham man was the in-form winger going into the Euros but Roy Hodgson suggested that Townsend was never really in his plans when he only received 15 minutes of game time in the friendly against Australia at the Stadium of Light.

Townsend’s omission means that England go to France with only one recognised winger in Raheem Sterling, who is currently out of form. It is likely that Adam Lallana and Ross Barkley will be used as wingers at the Euros even though they are seen as attacking central midfielders.

It is possible that Hogdson’s decision to take Marcus Rashford also decided Townsend fate. Hogdson has been known to take a striker in a tournament and place him on the wing, like he has with Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney.

There is no doubt Townsend would have provided a different dimension to the England side with his ability to run at defenders or cut inside to take a deadly shot.

If the England squad was based off form, the 24-year-old would be on the plane.

Dummett could have provided cover for two positions

Dummett celebrates his late equaliser in thriller with Manchester United | Photo: mirror.co.uk
Dummett celebrates his late equaliser in thriller with Manchester United | Photo: mirror.co.uk

Chris Coleman has stuck by the squad got him to the Euros. Dummett’s recognised position of left-back is filled by Neil Taylor, Chris Gunter and Ben Davies.

It has been unfortunate for Dummett that he hasn’t been able to break into the Wales set up, where injury earlier in Wales’ qualifying campaign possibly cost him.

If Dummett was to have went to France, he could have provided cover in the centre-back. Dummett has sometimes been required to drop into the heart of the defence at club level. When featured there, his displays have made Newcastle fans wonder if the centre back positon is Dummett’s natural position.

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About the author
Jordan Cronin
Sports Journalist. Editor/ Writer for the Newcastle United office.