England debut goal the stuff of dreams, says beaming Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin described his debut England goal as the “stuff of the dreams” and insists he is ready to go whenever called on by the Three Lions.

The in-form Everton striker opened the scoring in Thursday’s 3-0 beating of Wales at Wembley to make it 10 goals in seven appearances for club and country this season.

Conor Coady and Danny Ings also netted their first England goals in a good workout for Gareth Southgate’s men ahead of Nations League clashes with Belgium and Denmark.

“Obviously it’s a shame there are no fans here to celebrate and obviously my family aren’t here to celebrate so it’s bittersweet in that sense but to score on debut obviously it’s the stuff of dreams,” Calvert-Lewin told ITV.

“I’ve worked very hard to get here, it’s felt like a very long road but I’m very, very pleased to be here and get the opportunity to score on debut.”

Calvert-Lewin was replaced in the 58th minute to perhaps suggest further opportunities in England’s Nations League encounters and the striker just wants to impress whenever given the chance.

“I don’t know what that suggests, all I can say is I enjoyed the time I did play on the pitch and I’ll be ready to step in if needed,” he added.

The first time three players have all scored their first #ThreeLions goals in the same game since 1963! pic.twitter.com/XifqYVDFNQ

— England (@England) October 8, 2020

Calvert-Lewin also paid tribute to Jack Grealish, who produced a pearler of a cross to set up his goal.

“He’s a top player, I’ve seen it already,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve played with him to see him up close and personal he’s got bags of ability.

“I knew if he got in that position it was for me to hold my position and he’d get the cross in.”

Wales skipper Ben Davies felt the visitors were brave in their play especially in the absence of stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

“They were clinical, I think we started well and I was happy with how things were going,” he said. 

“The goal was a sucker punch, as soon as they were in good areas they created better chances than us. There were positives but we know we have to do better. We’ve seen how good England have been at it, we have to improve at that whole aspect of it, I’m disappointed at how we conceded the goals. 

“We were missing some of our best players, those who didn’t play would get in most teams in Europe. It shows character in the team we didn’t just sit out or come in with a negative attitude. I’m proud of the boys and the way we had a go tonight.”