Paul Merson challenged Andros Townsend to "win some medals" before calling him out after the Tottenham winger poked fun at the former Arsenal midfielder for questioning his England credentials.

Townsend scored a stunning 20-yard equaliser nine minutes after entering the pitch at the Juventus Stadium to earn Roy Hodgson's side a 1-1 friendly draw against Italy on Tuesday night.

And within minutes of the final whistle, he took to Twitter to address Merson, who had said the 23-year-old should be "nowhere near the [England] squad" after an inconsistent year at club level.

Townsend hit back by posting: "Not bad for a player that should be 'nowhere near the squad' ay @PaulMerse ?"

Not bad for a player that should be 'nowhere near the squad' ay @PaulMerse ? ��☕️ pic.twitter.com/kQyFcZdY9N - andros townsend (@andros_townsend) March 31, 2015

Townsend's father Troy got in on the act too, tweeting "Oh ye of little faith #Merson Get in..........."

Oh ye of little faith #Merson Get in........... - Troy Townsend (@Towno10) March 31, 2015

Merson was quiet on social media on Tuesday night, but retorted in his Daily Star column.

"I think he should concentrate on playing football, to be honest, and don't worry about me," he wrote.

"I'd also say win some medals first before you call it on.

"I have got no vendetta against him, but I am not going to sit here and say he is top drawer."

The 47-year-old insisted his comments had nothing to do with club rivalries.

"He plays for England and I hope he does well," Merson added. "Don't think I sat there the other night and was upset for him when he scored. I was well pleased.

"But he's just got back at Tottenham for the last seven or eight games. Where has he been all season?

"And you can't say I am anti-Tottenham. There is no bigger fan of Harry Kane than me. I think he is unbelievable. You can't throw that Arsenal-Tottenham thing at me."