The Leeds United striker’s place in the England squad has been up for debate.
Roy Keane has suggested Danny Welbeck would be a ‘better’ option for England than Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
While Harry Kane will undoubtedly be the first-choice striker, there have been a host of potential back-ups vying for their place without ever standing out. Ollie Watkins has been short of his best form while Dominic Solanke has just three Premier League goals to his name.
Calvert-Lewin notched his 10th of the season against Nottingham Forest in February and was the joint-highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League until last weekend. Welbeck was also on 10 but a brilliant brace against Liverpool on Saturday took him onto 12, intensifying questions over his omission from the England squad.
Discussing the England squad on Stick To Football this week, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said: “Solanke is in, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, I’m pleased for Dominic. But you could probably bring Welbeck in, just to see what he’s like.”
Keane, who was at Manchester United when a young Welbeck started to come through the academy, backed the Brighton man as a better option than either Solanke or Calvert-Lewin. He said: “I think Welbeck’s better than them two. He’s a good lad around the place.”
England space still up for grabs as Calvert-Lewin looks to impress
It remains to be seen who Tuchel might pick for the World Cup, with two warm-up friendlies and another two months of Premier League football left for decisions to be made. Calvert-Lewin will hope to make a positive impact on England duty before adding to his 10-goal tally to keep Leeds above the drop.
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Speaking exclusively to the YEP this week, former England frontman Michael Owen urged Calvert-Lewin to keep being himself in camp. The Ballon d’Or winner also stressed the importance for the Leeds frontman to show he can be an impact sub, as will likely be his or anyone else’s role when Kane starts.
“It’s great for Dominic to get a chance to be in the England squad following his performances this season for Leeds. This is well deserved too. He has been out the England set up for a while, but is having a very good season for Leeds.
“During this camp, he just needs to be himself,. [He needs to] show willingness to be part of the group, be a good squad member around the camp. Then [he needs to] perform when and if he plays in any of the friendly matches. And when I say perform, be that impact sub that he could be come summer.”
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