Paul Merson: 'Dominic Calvert-Lewin deserves England call'

Former England attacker Paul Merson has urged Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to select Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin in his next international squad.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times in 27 appearances for the Toffees this season, including five goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

England, who currently have both Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane on the sidelines, are next in action against Italy and Denmark at the end of March, and Merson has insisted that Calvert-Lewin should be given the opportunity to impress ahead of this summer's European Championships.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin deserves to be in Gareth Southgate's next England team. Southgate's strikers are dropping like flies at the moment with Tammy Abraham, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane all out," Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.

"So these next two friendlies against Italy and Denmark in March are massive for him. He's got to play people literally on the fringes just in case he needs them at the tournament.

"Calvert-Lewin played well the other day for Everton against Newcastle [United]. If he scores another seven or eight goals this season he could end up going to the Euros.

"I think you've got to give him a chance in these friendlies to show what he can do. He's played at Under-21 level and he needs to be in this squad. You've got to keep all your options open. Give him a chance now. We might need him in the summer."

Calvert-Lewin scored seven times in 17 appearances for England's Under-21 side.