Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Dominic Calvert Lewin for a surprise England recall, insisting the in form Leeds United striker has every right to be in the World Cup conversation next summer.
The 28 year old has blasted his way into form after a slow start at Elland Road, netting in five consecutive games, including a brace in Saturday’s 4-1 thumping of Crystal Palace. That’s a stark contrast to just one goal in his first ten league appearances for the club.
Rooney, who played alongside Calvert Lewin at Everton, reckons England’s shortage of proven centre forwards could open the door. “If he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked about or even get an opportunity to go to the World Cup,” the former captain said. “Purely because of the lack of forwards England have got.”
“He’s a handful to play against when he’s like this,” Rooney added. “He competes, he’s great in the air, he’s good in both boxes. You forget how good a player he is.”
It’s quite the turnaround for a player whose final season at Everton was wrecked by injury, scoring just three times and missing over three months with hamstring trouble. Rooney believes the Toffees were right to let him go last summer given his fitness record and contract situation, but credits Leeds for getting him right. “He’s gone to Leeds, kept himself fit. The physios are doing a good job with him there,” he noted.
With Harry Kane the only undisputed number nine in the England setup, Calvert Lewin’s resurgence puts him back in the frame. His 71 goals for Everton shows he can do it over the long haul, and if he keeps this scoring run going, the pressure on Gareth Southgate will grow. For now, his focus will be on firing Leeds up the table but the buzz about a possible Three Lions return has well and truly started.
