England will kick off their World Cup campaign in less than a week against Croatia, but debates around Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection continue to rage on.
Harry Kane will lead the line in North America. However, there were debates around the identity of the other strikers in the squad, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed out.
Ollie Watkins made the cut, and more surprisingly, Ivan Toney was named in the final list. Ian Wright has insisted that the three strikers in the squad are the right fit for the World Cup.
Ian Wright makes a huge claim about Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned a recall to the England squad for the friendly against Uruguay earlier this year after a five-year absence, and his performances in the Premier League had put him firmly in contention for a place in the final World Cup squad.
However, Wright insisted that the Leeds striker didn’t do enough to break into the squad for the summer tournament. He believes the three strikers Tuchel has taken to North America suit his needs.
Wright said on ITV: “You look at him, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, I just don’t think that he did enough, and it’s clear Toney offers more.
“In the game the other day, you can see why Tuchel selected Toney. Solanke had his chance, and Calvert-Lewin had his chance – he just didn’t do enough.
“I think the three he has selected all offer what we need and complement each other. Ollie Watkins can offer something different, too, so you can see why he was selected as well, because he will chase.
“England have the right three strikers. Those that missed out will be disappointed, but in Kane, Toney and Watkins I think that’s exactly what England need.”
Ian Wright is wrong
Calvert-Lewin scored 14 Premier League goals this season for a Leeds side who were just promoted and comfortably finished mid-table in the league.
His goals played a huge role in ensuring that Leeds were safe with games to spare, while several other English forwards struggled to outperform him.
Ollie Watkins’ form towards the end deserved a place in the England squad. However, there is very little justification to select Ivan Toney, who is plying his trade in Saudi Arabia.
It just confirmed that Tuchel has a particular preference, and he selected Toney over Calvert-Lewin despite the latter’s performances in the Premier League.
One performance in a friendly against Uruguay was not the reason Calvert-Lewin was not selected for the World Cup.
