Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Ancelotti backs striker for England

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Ancelotti backs striker for England

By Alistair Magowan

England skipper Kane is out until April baover with a hamstring issue while Rashford faces at least six weeks out with a back injury.

Calvert-Lewin, 22, has four goals in six games since Ancelotti arrived.

"Of course he can play for England," said Ancelotti.

Calvert-Lewin is enjoying the most productive season of his career since establishing himself as Everton's first-choice centre-forward, scoring 11 goals from 26 appearances this season.

"He has to fight as England has fantastic sagame strikers," said Ancelotti. "But he has the quality and possibility to be a great striker in England and for England."

Ancelotti's comments echo Everton captain Seamus Coleman who said Calvert-Lewin had "stepped up another level" after the draw with West Ham.

Calvert-Lewin is uncapped at senior level but won the under-20 World Cup with England in 2017.

England are back in action at the end of March when they play Italy and Denmark in friendlies as they continue to build towards this summer's European Championships.

In a news conference, Everton boss Ancelotti also said he was working on some targets to bring into the club but would not say who they were.

He confirmed injured forward Richarlison would miss out on facing Newcastle on Tuesday, as would Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson.