Jamie O’Hara wants Dominic Calvert-Lewin starting against Czech Republic
England face the Czech Republic tomorrow in their final group game of Euro 2020, and Jamie O’Hara wants Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to start.
The Three Lions only need a point to guarantee a place in the last-16, and with Harry Kane struggling to impress, the talkSPORT host reckons bringing in the Toffees star might make sense.
Calvert-Lewin came off the bench in the dying seconds of England’s opener against Croatia but was unused against Scotland.
“I would rest Harry, I am not dropping him, I’d rest him,” the former Tottenham Hotspur man said on talkSPORT.
“We are through in the group, we’ve got through, we’re going to have a huge game in the round of 16, so I think maybe just freshen up the squad.
“I’d give Calvert-Lewin a game. I don’t know why they didn’t bring Calvert-Lewin on the other night, you’ve got to offer something different sometimes, maybe a little bit more direct.
“Play it into someone who is going to hold it up, and occupy the two defenders. I think Harry Kane comes really deep but the midfielders are not running behind him. I watched Italy and they are getting behind the center-forward all the time.
“They are breaking the line. I just don’t think England are really doing that and it is hard for Harry Kane. I think mix it up as well. This game is not the biggest game we are going to have.”
Spot on Jamie
O’Hara often comes across as controversial, but we agree with him on this one.
Kane is yet to register a shot on target at the European Championship, and he could do with a rest for the last game.
If DCL cannot get a game now, would Gareth Southgate be starting him in the knockout stages?
The England boss has insisted Kane is starting against Czech [Sky Sports], and we think that is unfair on the Everton star.
The Spurs hitman is clearly struggling and his counterparts should be given a chance too.
Calvert-Lewin brings something different to the table in terms of aerial presence and should be getting the nod against tomorrow’s opponents.
Unfortunately, that is not happening and we can only hope Kane delivers the goods. Refusing to drop him if he is not firing could cost England, and while we are not pushing an agenda, we think his Everton rival has what it takes to lead the line for his country too.
In other Everton news, Super-rich club wants Toffees loan deal, waiting for new manager.
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