‘Totally disrespectful’ – Darren Bent slams critics who ‘laugh’ at Everton ace
Darren Bent has claimed that it is “totally disrespectful” for people to rule Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of the running for an England call-up.
The Toffees hitman has been in fine form this season, hitting 12 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.
And with Gareth Southgate looking for options to deputise for the injured Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, former England international Bent believes that the 22-year-old could be in line for a nod.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “The one [English striker] who’s in good form is Calvert-Lewin.
“Whenever I talk about Calvert-Lewin people laugh it off, which I think is totally disrespectful. Anyone who has watched him play for Everton, he’s fundamentally so good.
“He holds the ball up really well, he’s good in the air, he can score goals, he’s quick, he’s strong. So you start looking at that, and I’m sure Gareth Southgate has probably looked at that and thought [about calling him up].
“I reckon Calvert-Lewin is a lot closer than people think.”
Does Calvert-Lewin deserve a call-up?
Prior to this season, the answer would almost certainly have been a resounding no.
The target man has always been a handful for defenders, with his natural physicality and surprising turn of pace, but his finishing, if we’re being completely honest, did leave a lot to be desired.
This season, however, he looks like a new man.
Obviously, 12 in 28 is a massive improvement on what’s come before, but it’s his general nuisance-making that is really setting him apart.
2.2 shots per game, as per Whoscored, illustrate a player who is getting in the right positions consistently, while his 4.7 aerial duels won per match show a talent who hasn’t sacrificed any of his best traits to reach this new level.
If the England squad is a meritocracy, why shouldn’t he be in the frame?
In other Everton news, Report – Toffees snubbed by 22y/o last summer, dazzler joined PL rivals.