Dominic Solanke reacts to his first England cap in seven years – Grabbed an assist
Dominic Solanke would have been hoping for a win from his first England call-up in seven years, but the Spurs striker at least managed to get some minutes on the pitch.
Dominic Solanke was waiting for seven years
Following his big-money summer transfer to Tottenham, Dominic Solanke was called up to the England squad for the first time in seven years this month.
The last time Solanke was called up to England, he was a youngster in the Liverpool team. Even his red-hot form for Bournemouth last season wasn’t enough for Gareth Southgate to give him a call.
Lee Carsley named Solanke in the Three Lions squad alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins, although none of them actually started the match against Greece on Thursday.
Solanke got 18 minutes on the pitch
Despite Harry Kane being out injured and Ollie Watkins starting on the bench, Solanke was still not treated to an England start by Lee Carsley. The Three Lions boss instead opted for Jude Bellingham in a false nine role.
Solanke was given 18 minutes off the bench as England chased the game, and he even recorded an assist of sorts when the ball deflected off him into the path of goalscorer Bellingham.
When asked what Carsley said to the squad after the defeat, Solanke told Hayters TV: “He just said that we weren’t quite on it tonight. I think on our day we’re good enough to beat anyone. We have so much talent all over the pitch. Some games are difficult and we didn’t quite manage to get it right tonight.”
Solanke should have started
In the absence of Harry Kane, Solanke seemed like the perfect target man for the likes of Gordon, Saka, Palmer and Bellingham to play off last night. England lacked that presence up front to allow the pacy and creative players to roam free.
At the end of the day, Spurs will be happy to see Solanke getting a bit of a rest, especially seeing as Saka seemingly picked up an injury. However, from Dominic’s point of view, it was a shame he didn’t get more of a chance.
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