Kevin Campbell: Kick in the teeth for Calvert-Lewin with Rashford preferred as Kane’s cover
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes Marcus Rashford getting the nod ahead of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Euro 2020 is a kick in the teeth for the 24-year-old.
With Harry Kane the Three Lions’ first-choice striker, the Toffees star is yet to kick a ball at the European Championship, coming off the bench in the dying seconds in England’s opener against Croatia.
Calvert-Lewin was an unused sub against Scotland and the Czech Republic, with Rashford coming on to replace Raheem Sterling in the 67th-minute in the 1-0 win.
The Manchester United forward also came on mid-way through the second-half in the first two games, and Campbell reckons his Everton counterpart should be playing alongside Kane instead.
“I think so, changing the system a little bit to have two up top takes a lot pressure off Harry Kane, and somebody like Calvert-Lewin, who is good in the air, is physical takes a bit of that burden off Harry Kane,” Campbell replied when asked if DCL’s snub was a blow while speaking exclusively to Goodison News.
“So, Harry Kane could move into the 10 position, and he could be moving on to ball as opposed to being back to goal.
“I would like to see Southgate be a little bit more flexible in what he is doing as opposed to being defensive or just changing like for like.
“Cause them a problem, if he went two up top, Scotland would absolutely find life difficult, because with Harry Kane upfront really on his own, he is not going to get the better of three centre-halves, but when it’s 3 v 2 they have got a problem.”
Two-man striking system please
Southgate has been conservative in his approach to games at the tournament, and it could harm England’s chances against Germany.
The Three Lions have scored just twice thus far, and things would get tougher against their last-16 opponents if Kane is left alone upfront.
Calvert-Lewin’s aerial ability and strength are two qualities opponents struggle with, and we are baffled that the Everton star has not played up to two minutes at the Euros.
Kane is struggling with no one alongside him, and bringing on Rashford is not the solution.
While he can play as a striker, the Man Utd star is more comfortable on the wing and cutting inside to take his shots.
England have a top target man in Calvert-Lewin and should not hesitate to deploy this weapon laying waste in their Arsenal against Germany and for the rest of the competitions.
We absolutely agree with Campbell that a front two of Kane and the Everton hitman would cause opposition problems.
In other Everton news, English manager is still in frame for Toffees job despite Benitez being close.
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