Stuart Pearce has backed talismanic Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to go into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as England’s main backup to Harry Kane.
The Three Lions captain is bound to have a starring role at the major international tournament, barring any major injury, but Gareth Southgate will undoubtedly be adding depth to his pool of strikers in Qatar.
Consequentially, Pearce feels that Everton are in pole position for their star man to deputise for Kane in spite of heavy competition from other established English Premier League stars.
Speaking to talkSPORT via the Echo, Pearce claimed:
“In all honesty, I don’t think he [Southgate] would know.
“I think it’s so up for grabs. Evolution and form going into a World Cup will probably dictate that.
“I don’t think it will be Abraham. I don’t think it’s Bamford. I think it’s more so Calvert-Lewin if I was pushed on an individual.
“Ollie Watkins is coming up and doing well as well. I think there is almost a bit of a drop-off from Harry Kane.”
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The likes of Patrick Bamford, Tammy Abraham, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings have all featured for the Three Lions in recent months in a fine testament to the wealth of English attacking options available to Gareth Southgate.
Calvert-Lewin has already scored three times in the league this season, continuing a run of form that eclipses that of Danny Ings and Ivan Toney to date this season
He is firmly in contention to be on the plane to Qatar, and will surely have a seat embroidered with his name provided he can continue a consistent streak.
