Andros Townsend Mocks Paul Merson in Italy vs. England Post-Match Reaction

England winger Andros Townsend answered criticism from former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson in the best possible fashion during the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Italy in Turin, before posting his own light-hearted jibe at the pundit on social media.

Merson had previously claimed that the Tottenham Hotspur speedster shouldn’t be anywhere near the national team squad, but Townsend rose from the bench to score a stunning equaliser and help England turn in a much improved second-half performance.

Just in case Merson missed it, the winger posted a timely reminder on Twitter:

Here’s what the former Gunner—who previously became embroiled in a similar social media storm with Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson back in 2011, per Sportsmail—said about the Spurs man in the build-up to the game, per Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror:

"

If Townsend can get in then it opens it up for anybody.

The England manager is there watching the game (Manchester United vs. Tottenham) and he still gets picked. Townsend and Walker were the worst two players on the pitch.

"

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Despite criticism, Townsend has actually fared pretty well for England since making his international bow back in October 2013. He gave Roy Hodgson’s side some major impetus with vibrant displays late on in the World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring a spectacular goal in the vital 4-1 win over Montenegro at Wembley.

As noted by OptaJoe in the wake of Townsend’s sumptuous finish against the Azzurri, he boasts a penchant for the spectacular when donning England colours:

Hodgson paid tribute to the performance of Townsend—who missed the World Cup due to injury—and fellow substitute Ross Barkley after their second-half showings in Turin, per Prenderville’s piece:

"

Both Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley turned the game. Barkley was very brave.

An outstanding talent and I have got to say a word about Andros. We needed someone to do something a bit of special and he has come up with the goods.

"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

With the directness of Townsend and the driving force of Barkley, England were so much better in the second half of this friendly game. Hodgson began the match with Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Theo Walcott all shoehorned awkwardly into three forward positions, skewing the dynamic of the team against an Italy side containing some unfamiliar faces.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe was not happy with the initial tactical setup:

That changed dramatically after the interval, and while Townsend’s display was bristling with obvious aesthetic positives, England skipper Rooney told ITV (h/t Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror) that the understated performance of Michael Carrick—who came on for the injured Chris Smalling, prompting Hodgson to push Phil Jones back from midfield into defence—was the standout one:

"

The best player on the pitch by a mile was Michael Carrick.

He came on and dictated the game for us. You saw how much control we had after that. He was the big difference between the two teams in the second half.

"

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

For Townsend there are encouraging signs. He’s getting regular games for Tottenham once again and a prolonged spell in the first team will naturally bring the best out of this exciting player in the run-in. Hodgson clearly trusts his ability and will be content with knowing that he has a raw, incisive player in the squad who seems to thrive on the international stage.

As for Merson, he’s a pundit who says exactly what’s on his mind and while it can occasionally make him look silly, they're opinions that are more enamouring than the monotone, cliched quips that a lot of pundits trot out. Indeed, you suspect he’ll stand firmly by his assessment despite Townsend’s match-saving contribution.