Football

Frank Lampard says Everton attacker still has chance of making England squad

October 24, 2022 9:33 am

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a chance of making the England 2022 World Cup squad if he manages to stay “fit and firing”, according to his manager Frank Lampard.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Everton boss believes Calvert-Lewin has a chance of returning to the international scene after scoring his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

England manager Southgate was watching on from the stands as the striker netted just 11 minutes into the match at Goodison Park. 

The Toffees went on to win the game comfortably by a scoreline of 3-0, with fellow Englishmen Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil also finding the back of the net.

Lampard: Calvert-Lewin can give Southgate selection headache

Much of the talk pre and post-match focused on Calvert-Lewin amid his first goal of the campaign. The striker has been limited to just 189 minutes across four matches due to a knee injury.

He has now made successive starts for the Toffees, and manager Lampard believes the forward can make the squad for Qatar if he stays in form in front of goal, along with being injury-free.

“I’m delighted for him because he has been frustrated and wanting to be involved,” said Lampard, speaking after Saturday’s win. “It has been trying to find the right moment fitness-wise. Today you saw the fitness and sharpness.

“I don’t know [if it will be too late for the World Cup], that’s Gareth’s shout, but I do know Gareth knows him really well so it is not about finding anything much new about him.

“It is about him being fit and firing and if he can sustain that going into the break it will be Gareth’s choice. The rest is slightly out of his hands but what he could control today he certainly did.”

Everton’s English players shine in front of Southgate

It was a superb day overall for Everton’s English contingency, with Gordon and McNeil also on the scoresheet. At the back meanwhile, Jordan Pickford kept a clean sheet, helped by centre-back duo James Tarkowski and Conor Coady.

The defensive pairing has been crucial in keeping Everton’s goals conceded count low so far this season. The Toffees have conceded just 12 goals from their 12 matches, one of the best defensive records in the current campaign.

Tarkowski in particular put on a strong showing in front of Gareth Southgate. He has drawn huge praise for his displays in recent months. He currently sits top of the pile for blocks made for all Premier League defenders this season with 25.

Moreover, his 69 clearances and 37 aerial duels won place him second in those respective lists, while he is joint-third for interceptions with 21.

Lampard eager to keep striker fit

While Lampard is thinking about England’s World Cup for Calvert-Lewin, he is also focusing on just how much Everton need their striker.

“The impact he can have on confidence and the team and what he offers is a huge deal,” added the Everton manager. “I don’t want to look too far ahead but if we can keep him fit that will be a positive.”

Lampard

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