Dominic Calvert-Lewin keen to show England partnership with Harry Kane can work

Dominic Calvert-Lewin says he would relish the opportunity to play alongside Harry Kane for England and demonstrate that the pair could complement each other in attack.

The Leeds United striker is considered Kane’s understudy at international level, but believes he could offer more than simply cover for the captain. Instead, Calvert-Lewin wants to show he can bring different qualities to England’s established number nine.

Kane’s place in the starting XI remains virtually assured. The Bayern Munich forward, described as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to play against Croatia on Thursday before England travel to face Spain on Sunday.

Calvert-Lewin’s own position is less secure. He was left out of England’s squad for the summer’s World Cup in the United States, and now sees the possibility of partnering Kane as an opportunity to prove his value.

“Harry is someone I’d love to play with,” said Calvert-Lewin. “I look at how he likes to get on the ball… he assists as many as he scores so for me I’d be rubbing my hands together.”

The Leeds forward believes Kane’s ability to influence the game away from the penalty area could create further chances for a striker who prefers to attack the box and finish moves with one touch.

“When you’re a young kid and watch your heroes play you wanna be like them,” he said.

“There is a high chance of kids wanting to be No 9s going forward. The way he plays is not a traditional No 9 because he can do many different things.”

Calvert-Lewin also said he would like to see more young players develop into traditional centre-forwards, rather than prioritising a role in which they receive the ball between the lines and turn.

“I’d like to think there are more No 9s and less so players who want to get in the pocket and turn,” he added. “We’ve got an abundance of those and long may that continues but I like to watch physical No 9s who get in the box and score one-touch finishes.”

The striker also stressed that he welcomes the responsibility that comes with leading the line and being expected to score.

“Pressure and the pressure of scoring goals is something I embrace,” said Calvert-Lewin. “Pressure is a privilege. I embrace it at Leeds, it’s why I play football. I missed the expectation when I wasn’t playing.”