Josh Sargent is on a hot streak right now for Norwich City in the EFL Championship. After scoring a sensational header on Tuesday he followed that performance up on Friday with a brace for the Canaries to defeat Millwall 2-0. The Sargent goals vs Millwall were the only goals of the game.
Josh Sargent Goals vs Millwall
@joshsargent pic.twitter.com/XEofIOPaI8
— USMNT (@USMNT) August 19, 2022
Sargent’s Second. A perfect example of the tenacious play the O’Fallon, Missouri native is capable of when he’s at his best. Making a case for that No. 9 shirt.
pic.twitter.com/eOLGw0SXPt— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 19, 2022
Josh Sargent in Norwich City's 2-0 win over Millwall today
✓ 86 minutes played
✓ 2 goals
✓ 40 touches
✓ 15/18 passing (83%)
✓ 7/11 ground duels won
✓ 5 fouls drawn
✓ 1 clearance
✓ 1 tackleWhat a start to the season pic.twitter.com/TCYvznflFi
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 19, 2022
Born in the USA rings round Carrow Road.
This feels like a new start at #ncfc— Rob Butler (@BobRutler) August 19, 2022
Norwich’s usual striker Teemu Pukki has been recovering from a foot injury the previous two games meaning Sargent was given back-to-back starts. The USMNT forward didn’t squander the two opportunities with three goals.
Pukki is back from injury and replaced Sargent in the 86th minute. The Finnish striker has been a staple of the Norwich attack since he joined in 2018, but could it be Sargent time now?
The American made 26 Premier League appearances last season for the Canaries but disappointed with only two goals against Watford. Norwich manager Dean Smith will be pleased with Sargent’s improvement in front of goal.
Josh Sargent's World Cup Odds
Will USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter consider calling Sargent up for the World Cup this winter? Hard to say.
Sargent’s last call-up to the national team was the first World Cup qualifying window in Sept. 2021. He appeared in all three games but failed to impress Berhalter and has been on the outside looking in since. His last goal for the U.S. was in a friendly against Jamaica on March 25, 2021.
A hot season in the EFL Championship could be enough for Sargent to find a way onto the plane to Qatar. USMNT and Augsburg striker Ricardo Pepi is having a nightmarish time in the Bundesliga. Through 14 appearances with the German club Pepi has yet to score a goal or get an assist. If Sargent is in prime goal-scoring form and Pepi's drought continues an argument could be made for the Norwich man on the World Cup roster.
Three goals for Norwich won’t be enough to get Sargent on the plane to Qatar. Starts and minutes could become slightly more scarce for Sargent with Pukki coming back into the squad. However, if Sargent has an incredible first half of the season with say, 10+ goals, then he will put himself in consideration for a World Cup roster spot at the least.
Norwich plays Premier League side Bournemouth next in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Does Smith keep with the hot hand and give Sargent the start or rely on the veteran Pukki?
