Andy Goldstein left baffled after Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed England snub
TalkSPORT host Andy Goldstein was left baffled after Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin was handed an England snub on Friday night against Scotland.
Calvert-Lewin, 24, made his international tournament debut against Croatia in England’s first game of Euro 2020, playing the final minute of the match at Wembley.
However, he remained rooted to the bench on Friday despite their failure to break down a stubborn Scotland side, playing out a 0-0 draw.
Goldstein, speaking to talkSPORT, vented his fury at some of Gareth Southgate’s decisions, including his refusal to bring Calvert-Lewin on.
“We were absolutely garbage,” he said.
“We didn’t do anything, we didn’t offer anything, we didn’t change anything up. He didn’t have any plan B.
“Phil Foden coming off over Raheem Sterling I still can’t understand, Harry Kane coming off I get because he wasn’t playing well, but Marcus Rashford playing the number nine role instead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who stayed on the bench? It was a head-scratcher.
“I just thought England were incredibly poor. One shot on target in 90 minutes is nowhere near enough.
“It’s a real concern for England, because we looked appalling.”
Strange
Southgate really didn’t help himself on Friday.
Despite being able to make five substitutes he elected to make just two, bringing Rashford and Jack Grealish on for Kane and Foden.
Taking Kane off was no crying shame given his ineffectual performance, and many expected 16-goal Premier League star Calvert-Lewin to be given the chance to impress.
However, despite being the only other natural centre-forward in the squad, he was left on the bench.
It was a strange call, especially as The Three Lions lacked a focal point and cutting edge all game.
Plan A clearly wasn’t working, whatever it was meant to be, so why not switch it up slightly? Calvert-Lewin has plenty of attributes, including the ability to run in behind, but his aerial qualities strike fear into defences. That would have been a big asset against Scotland, especially with the crossing abilities of Reece James at full-back.
Hopefully we will see the Blues man get some minutes on Tuesday against Czech Republic, but we won’t hold our breath given Southgate’s ineptitude.
In other Everton news, two journalists were left stunned by ITV pundit’s remarks on this Blues star.
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