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Tammy Abraham being replaced by Demarai Gray for England U-21s was 'strange' - Dean Ashton
TAMMY ABRAHAM being dropped for England Under-21s crucial game against Poland this evening was a strange decision.
That is according to former England Under-21 striker Dean Ashton, who thinks the Chelsea youngster should have started.
Abraham started the first two games of the European Under-21 Championships in Poland but failed to get on the scoresheet.
Aidy Boothroyd's side went into tonight's game knowing a victory would mean a semi-final spot, and anything else could result in them going home.
The one change which was made to the starting XI was Leicester winger Demarai Gray coming in for Abraham, but Ashton disagreed with the decision.
Dean Ashton did not agree with Tammy Abraham being dropped for England Under-21s against Poland
It's a strange decision to drop Tammy Abraham, if it works obviously we can then pat Aidy Boothroyd on the back
"I think so (you want him in the team)," he said on Sky Sports.
"At times when you need to hit that front man, I think he's done extremely well the way he held it up.
"You saw for (Nathan) Redmond's goal for the last game, you need that player who's strong, can hold the defender off and just lay it off.
Dean Ashton says Tammy Abraham should have started for England Under-21s against Poland
"Then you've got the players who can put it in behind with that pace.
"It's a strange decision, if it works obviously we can then pat Aidy Boothroyd on the back."
Abraham spent last season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship and is close to sealing another temporary move away from Chelsea for next term, this time in the Premier League with Swansea.