TroyDeeney should look to ‘score a hat-trick every game’ joked Walter Mazzarri after his captain was overlooked for a place in the England squad earlier today.

With injuries to the Three Lions' first-choice regulars, it had appeared Deeney’s form might be enough to earn a first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for games against Lithuania and Germany.

But the 28-year-old’s wait for a national bow remains on hold, despite a run of five goals in his last six games.

Deeney’s omission may come as a disappointment to the former Walsall man, who will be fortunate to make a better case for inclusion for his country once England’s experienced forwards, including the missing Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney, return to fitness.

Mazzarri said: “The facts speak for themselves - he’s scored in almost every game in the last few weeks, but these are the decisions of the England manager and we have to respect it.

“When I speak with him I will tell him he needs to score a hat-trick in each game because one is not enough. Also if he scores three goals, it will help us win too.

“At the moment he is in his best form of the season.”