Pundit can’t believe Dominic Calvert-Lewin latest at Everton amid ‘disappointing and upsetting’ claim
Noel Whelan has claimed it will be a “tough ask” for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make England’s final World Cup squad despite backing from Everton boss Frank Lampard.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it would be “disappointing and upsetting” for in-form Ivan Toney to miss out at the 25-year-old’s expense.
Calvert-Lewin scored his first goal of the season in front of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate as Everton recorded a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last week (22 October).
Speaking post-match and quoted by The Independent, Lampard insisted it is “absolutely realistic” for the striker to be named in the squad for the World Cup.
Calvert-Lewin, who made two appearances for England at Euro 2020, was limited to just 17 Premier League appearances last season after a number of injury problems.
Southgate is expected to announce his 23-man squad on 10 November ahead of the big kick-off against Iran on 21 November.
Whelan suggested injury-hit Calvert-Lewin must “prove his fitness” to have any chance of making the cut.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a tough ask, but you can never say never.
“If he can stay fit, score goals, put in performances like he did at the weekend – there’s no doubt that it’d be a tough decision to keep him out.
“I’d say Rashford has the edge on him because he can play all across that front line.
“Ivan Toney, as well, has had a fantastic season and he’s probably the main competition for that number nine spot.
“All Calvert-Lewin can do is use these games – try and catch the eye, prove his fitness, and hit the back of the net.
“However, Toney has been doing it for a season and a half now – so he’d be very disappointed and upset to miss out.
“It’s a big decision for Gareth.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Everton plot January move for Premier League star.