Ben Foster has echoed Troy Deeney’s belief that the Watford skipper would provide a useful alternative in attack for England.

Deeney has questioned Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of his latest Three Lions squad, with the forward claiming he and other players were overlooked despite impressing this season.

The Hornets skipper was once again on form as Watford picked up a point with a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Saturday and Foster feels Deeney’s unique skill set makes him ideal for England.

“Yes, he offers a different dimension,” Foster said. “Like when Peter Crouch was in the team, he brought a different dimension at that time.

“That’s what Troy’s got. If you get the ball up to him with quality, he will hold it and, as long as you can get around him, you can get yourself up the pitch.

“He is such a strong boy and his work rate is second to none. Troy can only do his talking on the pitch. That’s what he has done every game since I have been here this season.”

Deeney has been instrumental to Watford’s efforts this season, scoring twice to help them take 13 points from their first six Premier League games and striking up a fine partnership with Andre Gray in attack.

For Foster, the 30-year-old is about more than just his performances on the pitch and he speaks highly of Deeney’s role as a leader in the Watford changing room.

“He is always geeing us up, no matter where you are, in meetings before games, in the changing room, going out on the pitch. That is what you want from a captain and we are lucky to have him,” he said.

“He does it on the pitch in his actions as well, and when people see that as well they cannot help follow suit.

“He’s a winner, that’s why he is our captain. He is such a good leader. He is a great guy to have in the team.”