The oldest rivals in international football will face off in a decisive Euro clash, with Gareth Southgate’s men buoyed by victory against Croatia as Scotland look to respond to their Group D loss to the Czech Republic.
Sheffield-born Calvert-Lewin is likely to be an impact substitute given that he is a stand-in for England captain Harry Kane, and only entered the international configuration in the fall after impressing with Everton.
The club’s great Ferguson has been key to his rise through the ranks and he doesn’t think the Scottish Toffees assistant coach will scold him for a goal under goal on Friday night.
“I think he would be very happy for me,” said former Sheffield United striker Calvert-Lewin. “It is well known that he has been a huge influence on me at Everton and he just wishes me well.
“He texted me before our first game the other day saying ‘all the best for the tournament’ and he wants me to score no matter who it is.”
When asked if he would dedicate a goal to him if he scored on Friday, he said: “I probably wouldn’t do that. But I owe a lot to Big Dunc and what he has done for me in my career thus far.
“He’s a great guy and people misunderstand him sometimes. It’s pretty quiet, calm, and collected, so I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to it as long as I am. “
Calvert-Lewin is grateful to Ferguson for the extra time he has always reserved for him in training camp, as well as helping him teach him the mental aspect of the game.
That mental toughness has helped the 2017 U-20 World Cup winner become an absolute international for England, where he can be a backup but is always prepared to take a chance.
“For me, I just make sure I’m ready,” Calvert-Lewin said. “Ready when they call me. Harry is the captain of the team and is the man leading the line right now.
“Since I was a child I dreamed of playing for my country and coming to a great tournament, and as a child you dream of playing, maybe not sitting on the bench. But if that’s my role, then so be it and I’ll do my best. “
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-15 21:53:56
