Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith has praised one Everton star after a “brilliant” piece of play during the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
Sean Dyche’s side made it five home victories in a row thanks to a first-half strike from Abdoulaye Doucouré.
The Toffees saw out the game in the second period to secure their 13th clean sheet of the 2023/24 season and end their season at Goodison Park on a high.
Sue Smith amazed by classy moment from Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again led the line and continued his impressive recent form with another commanding performance at the top of the pitch.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Smith was particularly impressed with the striker’s decision-making in the lead-up to Doucoure’s opener.
She said [Sky Sports]: “Yeah, it’s 1-0 to Everton, and it’s Doucoure with the goal. He’s had a couple of opportunities but it comes from Jordan Pickford. Obviously, it’s a long kick forward; they win the first ball. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been brilliant in this first half. It falls to Dwight McNeil, who plays it through to Calvert-Lewin, who rounds Foderingham, who’s come right out of his goal, and it’s a brilliant pick out to find Doucoure, who’s made that late run.
“He’s playing a little bit further forward than he has done in previous games. He’s in and around Dominic Calvert-Lewin, giving him the support he needs. It’s really good play from Calvert-Lewin, and Doucoure was never going to miss from there.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin gives Gareth Southgate a late-season decision ahead of the European Championships
Calvert-Lewin is giving Gareth Southgate something to think about ahead of the European Championships in Germany in June.
Against Chris Wilder’s men, the Everton forward created two big chances, registered one assist and a 100 per cent shot accuracy [FotMob].
The 27-year-old, on his day, is one of the most complete strikers in the Premier League, with the ability to run in behind and hold the ball up. Effectively, Calvert-Lewin is a mixture of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins and potentially the solution Southgate needs as Harry Kane’s understudy.
International selection certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Speaking recently on playing for England, Calvert-Lewin was adamant that, on his day, he belongs in the squad. “That’s always my main goal, to play for my country – it’s the best feeling in the world,” he said. “For now, I’m fit and healthy and scoring goals, and I’ll see where that takes me. I believe that on my day, I belong there.”
Another eye-catching performance in the Toffees’ final game against Arsenal could give the England boss something to seriously consider.
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