Dominic Calvert-Lewin was heavily missed by Everton last season through his long-term injury, which he picked up at the start of the season. Prior to his injury, he had scored 3 goals in his opening 3 games under Rafa Benitez. The season before was the most productive of his career, bagging a very impressive 16 goals.
His impressive club form that season earned him a call-up to the England squad for their friendlies, scoring on his debut against Wales. He was also part of the three Lions squad for the 2020 Euros, which they ended up losing in the final to Italy. The Englishman ended up making 11 appearances for his country over the two seasons, scoring 4 goals in the process.
However, since his injury at the start of last season, the 25-year-old has only managed 3 goals in all competitions, one of which, however, was the all-important winner last season over Crystal Palace that kept Everton in the Premier League.
Although his form at the end of last season was not great and his injury has kept him out of the picture for most of this season, DCL will definitely be looking to give himself every chance to get back in the squad.
England manager, Gareth Southgate was in attendance for the blue’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace this weekend and would have been very impressed by the performance of the striker, scoring the opening goal in the game inside 11 minutes, winning multiple aerial duels and having a very good game overall before being replaced by Neal Maupay.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was back for Everton and back on the scoresheet, in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate…
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 22, 2022
After the match, Calvert-Lewin was asked (in an interview with BBC Sport) his thoughts on potentially being in the England set-up for the World Cup in Qatar [via Liverpool Echo]:
“It’s every boy’s dream to go to the World Cup. I’ve been counting down the days to get back on the pitch and all I can do is play the best I can for Everton and score goals and see where that takes me. First and foremost it’s what I do here.”
It is clear that even if he was to make the England side for the World Cup, he (like every other potential striker) would likely play back-up to Harry Kane, not getting many minutes. Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham were the latest strikers to be called up to Gareth Southgate’s side, neither of which got any minutes in the 3 lion’s Nations League fixtures, however, the experience of training with such a high-quality side is likely to benefit any player to an extent.
Could Calvert-Lewin still make the England squad for the World Cup?Yes
No
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