DOM’S GOT A DUTCH OF CLASS
EVERTON’S Dominic CalvertLewin proved in Holland last night he is ready to take a step up the international ladder.
The Everton youngster scored the winner for Paul Simpson’s Under-20s when they lifted the World Cup in South Korea in the summer.
And Calvert-Lewin was on the mark again as Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21 side side opened their Euro 2019 qualifying campaign with a draw in Doetinchem. The England boss included a host of the summer winners in his side, so it was no surprise when two of them combined to put England ahead in the 20th minute.
Calvert-Lewin’s Everton team-mate Ademola Lookman lifted a pass through the home defence and the Goodison striker needed no second invitation to score in the corner.
But the lead lasted just 10 minutes as the home side equalised when Bart Ramselaar was left unmarked to head home.
The Dutch stayed on the front foot after the break and Frenkie de Jong should have tested keeper Angus Gunn but took too long to line up his shot.
Boothroyd responded by making a double change with 20 minutes remaining, replacing Dominic Solanke and Kieran Dowell with Kasey Palmer and Demarai Gray. But the attacking changes nearly backfired and Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny was forced to clear off the line to keep out Guus Til’s deflected effort.
Sub Tammy Abraham then replaced Calvert-Lewin but despite a strong finish, England were happy to take a point away with them. ¬ÊGoals from Tyler Roberts, David Brooks and George Thomas saw Wales Under-21s began their campaign with a 3-0 win in Switzerland.