Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted his frustration at being limited to a bit-part role for England but is determined to make his mark at Euro 2020.
The Everton striker has been limited to just a last-minute substitute appearance against Croatia so far in the tournament, with Three Lions captain Harry Kane understandably ahead of him in the pecking order.
And while the 24-year-old knew what his role would be coming into the European Championships, he is confident he could play a defining role for Gareth Southgate’s side as they prepare to face Germany in the round-of-16.
“Coming into the tournament I was aware of the role I might have to play so I prepared myself for that,” Calvert-Lewin told reporters. “All I can do is make sure that I play that role to the best of my ability.
“I’m a player like anyone else who wants to play, get minutes and effect games. When you can’t do that, sometimes it does get frustrating but I think that’s only human.
“It’s a team game. Tournament football requires every man and I might not have featured much personally so far this tournament, but my part to play might be the important part in the coming games so that is the mindset I take and how I go into training every day.
“Every day is a learning experience. I’ve been in the set-up for nine months now and it’s a place where I worked very hard to get to so I’m grateful to be here but at the same time, I want to make my mark and bring what I’ve brought to the table. I’ve just scored 16 Premier League goals.”
He continued: “I’m not here to talk about who’s going to play and who’s not going to play. For me, it’s about being ready when I’m needed and staying sharp in training for if I’m called upon.
“Harry’s the captain and the number nine at the moment and he’s the man who’s leading the line.
“I’ll support him 100% and make sure I’m ready when needed. My instructions when I first came into the England set-up was to continue doing what I’ve been doing for my club here and that’s all you really need to take confidence from that.”
While Calvert-Lewin might not be starting for England at Euro 2020, his club team-mate Jordan Pickford has been fine form in goal for the Three Lions.
Keeping a clean sheet in each of England’s three games so far, the 27-year-old has silenced his critics after responding well from a number of high-profile mistakes earlier in the season.
And the striker paid tribute to Pickford’s reaction as he shared his delight at his colleague’s current form.
“Obviously I know Pickers very well, training and playing with him every day,” he said. “I think he’s been magnificent for England and oozes confidence and calmness.
“He’s the best man to be in between the sticks. The England number one role takes on a lot of pressure and I think he handles that very well.”
Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin made headlines prior to the start of the tournament after Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson took a penalty off the striker in the Three Lions’ final warm-up game against Romania only to miss his effort.
And while the striker was prevented from stepping up for his country on that occasion, he will have no qualms taking a penalty if England find themselves in a penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 knockout stages.
“I’d be more than happy (to take one),” he said. “I’m confident enough from the spot.
"I’ve taken one before for England so I’d be more than happy.”
