International decision on Leeds United pair as Harry Kane marks England milestone with Croatia winner
Two Leeds United stars were hoping for some England action on Thursday.
Leeds United’s two England internationals were unused substitutes on Thursday night in a 2-1 Nations League win at home to Croatia.
Goalkeeper James Trafford and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined up with the England squad earlier this week. But both knew they had a challenge making it into the team, competing for minutes with Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane respectively.
England manager Thomas Tuchel hinted he could rotate between goalkeepers this week, as happened during the previous break, but Pickford remains his No.1. The Everton man was given the nod on Thursday night and performed well despite the concession.
A 24th-minute Morgan Rogers finish from close range was the reward for a decent England start but they were unable to extend their lead, Petar Sučić eventually equalising just before the hour mark. But on a momentous night for Kane, the striker won it shortly after.
Kane, who recently won the Ballon d’Or and on Thursday became England’s all-time highest appearance maker, buried a penalty on 64 minutes for his 92nd international goal. With Croatia keeping the scoreline tight, there was no opportunity for Calvert-Lewin.
“A good win,” Tuchel said. “We wanted this win desperately and I think we deserved it. It was hard work against a good opponent, it took us a while to grow into the game but after 15 minutes, we did OK.
“We got the goal, got better and more confident, had some good actions and good half-chances. We got a little bit sloppy at the end of the first half but started the second half very well, didn’t score the second goal, conceded from a set piece and then showed a good reaction.”
England face Spain in Madrid on Sunday needing a win to top their Nations League group, meaning Tuchel will likely name a full strength side once again. That means a start for Calvert-Lewin is unlikely, while it remains to be seen if Trafford might come in for Pickford.
Leeds might feel some relief to see Calvert-Lewin rested, given the striker has been managing a bruised foot for several weeks. He’s not missed a single game with the injury but has been the subject of a couple of earlier substitutions and has a long winter period ahead.
With Trafford and Calvert-Lewin benched, there was no Leeds international involvement on Thursday. Tonight will be different, with Jaka Bijol’s Slovenia hosting Nico Elvedi’s Switzerland while Ilia Gruev looks set to feature for Bulgaria against Iceland.