I was wrong! Arsenal legend Paul Merson apologises for Andros Townsend criticism

FORMER England player Paul Merson has admitted he was “wrong” in his criticism of Tottenham winger Andros Townsend but says he doesn’t need to defend himself.

Second half improvements please Rooney amp; Townsend [AMBIENT]

Merson hit out at Townsend’s England selection for the recent international break, claiming Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young should have taken his place.

The ex-Arsenal playmaker said in his Sky Sports column that Townsend didn’t deserve a place in the Three Lions set-up after coming off in Spurs’ 3-0 defeat to United last month.

But that only fuelled Townsend’s fire when the 23-year-old scored England’s equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Italy last night.

Townsend tweeted: “Not bad for a player that should be nowhere near the squad’ ay @PaulMerse?”

And in reply to the post, Merson spoke to Sky Sports and praised Townsend’s performance.

“It’s just a matter of opinion, and my opinion was that he got pulled off after half an hour at Manchester United in front of Roy Hodgson, so he shouldn’t have been in the squad,” he said.

“But fair play to him, I only give my opinion, and sometimes I’m wrong, other times I’m right.

Andros Townsend scores for EnglandGETTY

Andros Townsend scored England's equaliser against Italy yesterday

“When I’m wrong, I hold my hands up. I don’t have a problem with doing that - I’ll always be the first to admit when I’m wrong.

“It’s not as though I was watching hoping he wouldn’t score for England, I’m genuinely pleased for him and fair play to him – it was a great goal.

“But I don’t feel as though I need to defend myself – it’s my job to give my opinion – and I’m just glad people actually take notice of what I’m saying!”

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