Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals this season have taken him to a “different level”, according to England boss Gareth Southgate.
The Everton forward scored the opening goal on his Three Lions debut in a 3-0 victory against Wales at Wembley Stadium.
A lovely cross from Jack Grealish on the right-hand side found Calvert-Lewin unmarked in the box and the Toffees number nine headed past Wayne Hennessey.
The 23-year-old has been in breathtaking form so far this season - scoring nine goals for Everton and one for England - bringing his total to 10, having played only seven matches.
His form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side earned him his maiden international call-up, and Southgate handed Calvert-Lewin his senior debut, partnering Danny Ings.
The Blues striker certainly didn’t disappoint and was a threat for Southgate’s men all evening in a comfortable win against Wales.
After the game, the England boss told ITV that he enjoyed Calvert-Lewin’s “excellent debut” in front of an empty Wembley.
Southgate said: “Excellent. Really good, he had excellent presence, his runs were a threat, he pressed well, he took his goal well.
“So, he can be very pleased. He’s in a really good vein of form, and he’s an all-round centre-forward.
“I think I’ve always liked his general play, but it’s the goals that he’s adding now that makes him a different level of player.”
Calvert-Lewin scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Blues last season, his highest total yet but having hit netted 10 times so far already this campaign, he looks well on the way to smash his own record.
Having come off with over half an hour of the game left, it is likely that Calvert-Lewin will take some part in England’s Nations League clash with Belgium on Sunday.
Then the Three Lions welcome Denmark to London on Wednesday, before the striker returns to Everton in time for the Merseyside Derby on October 17.
