Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals Gareth Southgate’s message to Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell

The trio attended a party in breach of coronavirus restrictions, delaying their arrival to the camp

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed how Gareth Southgate has underlined the importance of "understanding what it means to play for the country" in light of Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho breaching coronavirus restrictions.

The trio’s arrival into the Three Lions camp has been delayed following reports the trio attended a party in breach of coronavirus restrictions.

It is another off-the-pitch distraction for Southgate after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home for breaching protocols while on England duty in Iceland last month.

Calvert-Lewin said: "It's a difficult time. The boys have apologised and that's first and foremost what they needed to do but we all understand what it means to play for the country and you have to remember that at all times.

"It's a tough situation but they've apologised so you have to move on."

"We had a welcome meeting (on Monday) and (Southgate) just reminded us what it means and the expectations of playing for England and you have to be extra, extra careful and follow the rules.

"It's a unique moment in time and we always have to be extra attentive to those rules, and that's the way it is when you're representing your country."

Calvert-Lewin has been in scintillating form in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign, scoring nine times in just six games in all competitions, which has led to a first senior call-up for the friendly against Wales followed by Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Denmark.

"It's a kid's dream to play for the country and I'm very privileged to be here now," he said.

"I don't think you can ever plan how you're going to feel when you first get called up for your country and for me I've thought about it for a long time and I've worked extremely hard to get here.

"I was obviously concentrating on playing for Everton and winning games. As the time nears you hope you might be in the manager's thoughts to be called up to your country.

"For me to be here, it's something that I have thought long and hard about and dreamed of for a long time."

PA contributed to this report