Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals how Everton great Duncan Ferguson is making him a better player

The Under-21 international has been working with first-team coach Ferguson at Goodison Park as he looks to improve his game

Nick Mashiter,Liam Blackburn
Tuesday 27 March 2018 08:49 BST
Comments
Calvert-Lewin is enjoying his football at Everton
Calvert-Lewin is enjoying his football at Everton

Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits former Scotland star Duncan Ferguson is helping him become a better player for England.

The Under-21 international has been working with first-team coach Ferguson at Goodison Park as he looks to improve his game.

Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United and returns to Bramall Lane on Tuesday for the Young Lions' Euro 2019 qualifier with Ukraine.

The 20-year-old is also getting tips off team-mate Wayne Rooney, England's record goalscorer, but is still feeling the benefit of working with Ferguson.

"I work a lot with Duncan Ferguson - and after training - doing finishing drills and how to become a better player," he said. "Also a player of Wayne Rooney's calibre coming into Everton was massive for the club and the young players, especially me as a centre forward. It's hard to say what he's taught me, but it's little specifics, little pointers here and there.

"I like to think I've got a bit of everything in my game. I like to bring different things to the table."

Calvert-Lewin is the only Englishman to score in a World Cup final, alongside Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, after netting the winner in last summer's 1-0 Under-20 final victory over Venezuela.

A senior call is yet to come, with Calvert-Lewin starting just once in the league this year, but he feels ready.

He said: "I back myself. I believe in my ability. I think the more I play, the more goals I will score and will become more prolific because I'm working hard in training to become a better player every day and I do believe I can play for England at some point.

Calvert-Lewin is currently on England Under-21 duty

"I played a lot of games in the first half of the season which I thoroughly enjoyed. Obviously the second half I've not played as much as I would have liked but I'm a professional so, keep your head down, I'm still listening and learning to become a better player.

"Any player would want to play in every game but, second half of the season I've done all I can do and that's to come on and try to affect games."

Fellow Young Lion Jake Clarke-Salter is another that has benefited from words of wisdom from a former England international.

The defender, currently on loan from Chelsea with Sunderland, admits he is trying to model his game on John Terry having been tutored by the 37-year-old when he was at Stamford Bridge.

"I grew up watching JT at Chelsea," said Clarke-Salter, who marked his under-21s debut with a goal against Romania. "He's a quality defender. He can do both; organise and play technically. He's someone I look up to and try to imitate him. He gave me a lot of good advice at Chelsea."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in