DCL can fire his way into Euros squad
EVERTON manager Sean Dyche believes Dominic Calvert- Lewin can play his way back into England reckoning if he continues to show the form which tormented Liverpool.
The striker was named man of the match in Wednesday’s 2- 0 Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park after scoring a trademark header and generally causing problems for the visitors’ centre-backs all game.
Calvert- Lewin has scored four goals in 11 internationals but has not featured for Gareth Southgate’s side since March 2021 and injuries in the intervening seasons have dropped him down the pecking order.
His fitness has been managed carefully this season and that has allowed him to make 35 appearances – one short of his combined total for the previous two campaigns.
“This season he hasn’t been too bad on the injury front, but it just goes to show you when you have had an indifferent couple of years with injuries, it does take time to clear your mind of it, clear your body of it, and to have that total freedom,” said
Dyche.
“That’s what I and him planned when we shared the idea of getting him to a point where he can just play freely.
“He has had moments where he has done that, and last night I thought he was outstanding. I said to him afterwards, ‘that’s the kind of form and performance that gets you back around that England thinking’.
“It’s too early yet and I am not making big bold statements, I know
Gareth will have players who he thinks are relevant to his group, but certainly with that feeling to his performance and scoring, then he should be recognised where he is as a top centre- forward, in my opinion.”
Calvert- Lewin has scored three goals in his last four matches, suggesting he is starting to return to form, and his performance against Liverpool was his best of the season.
“I’m pleased but that is what I can do,” the striker said.
“That’s been the frustrating thing this season because I have not done that consistently enough.
“Everyone knows what I am capable of, and nobody more than me. So that’s a normal night for me and that is what I expect from myself in every game.”