Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin ‘isn’t fit enough’ to earn England call
Ian Ladyman has claimed Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot be competing for Harry Kane’s place as England’s number nine due to his inconsistent fitness and issues.
The Daily Mail journalist named Calvert-Lewin alongside Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and Brentford’s Ivan Toney as strikers who are not good enough to make a claim to start regularly for their national team.
The Everton striker has recently come back from injury with an impressive run of form for his club, scoring three goals in his last four games, and will be looking at playing himself into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Ladyman was speaking on Mail Sport’s It’s All Coming Up podcast with Chris Sutton, where the former Celtic striker questioned: “The more pertinent question is: who are the challengers for Harry Kane’s position?
“I cannot remember… when was the last time there was competition over the number nine position?”
Ladyman then responded: “I’m not sure there is competition for Harry Kane. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has quality, but he isn’t often fit enough. Callum Wilson is a very good centre-forward. Is he international class? I’m not sure. Ivan Toney has a lot to prove.”
Time to bounce back
It is now time for Calvert-Lewin to prove he is over his injury issues and mount a somewhat surprising challenge for a return to the international setup, having not played for England since 2021.
After a fast return from injury this season, Calvert-Lewin has been impressive in his displays at Goodison Park and has provided his club with a consistent source of goals, something that England will always be keeping an eye out for from Premier League clubs.
Challenging Harry Kane for his starting position is an almost impossible task, after all, he is one of the best strikers in the world and captains his country, but Sutton and Ladyman are right in suggesting there is no clear second choice for that role.
Perhaps Calvert-Lewin will be able to impress enough for the rest of the season and, if he can stay fit, challenge for a place in the squad.
In other Everton news, a medical expert has delivered an update on one Toffees man.