Dad in touching tribute to Sheffield footballer Dominic Calvert-Lewin after England debut goal

The dad of Sheffield-born footballer Dominic Calvert-Lewin has paid a touching tribute to the striker after his goal on his England debut.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a Blades shirt (Pic: Blades Sports Photography)Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a Blades shirt (Pic: Blades Sports Photography)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a Blades shirt (Pic: Blades Sports Photography)

The 23-year old’s dad paid tribute to him on social media, after his opening goal against Wales in a friendly earlier this week.

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The small but significant gesture that shows the values Sheffield United instill...

In an emotional post, Karlda Lewis said he is ‘beyond proud’ of his son for overcoming set-backs during his career and realising his dream of representing his country on the international stage.

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He won his first senior cap for England in Thursday’s game and after impressing is expected to feature in England’s EUFA Nations League game against Belgium this afternoon.

Calvert Lewin was a product of Sheffield United’s successful academy and was sold to Everton for £1.5 million in 2016.

He is currently among the leading scorers in the Premier League and Europe so far this season and is tipped as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.

Posting on Facebook, Calvert-Lewin's dad said: “I remember him not making the England Victory Shield Squad at U16s, certain coaches and managers not rating him. Having to take a crying six-year-old boy home from his first trial as he was too shy to play.

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“When knocked down, he gets back up. You're not allowed to stay down around here anyway.”

He added: “Rejection is often life's way of directing you to the path you're supposed to be on. If you hang around the barbers long enough, eventually you will get a trim.”

Recognising his coaches who believed in him during his rise to the top, the proud dad added: “Travis Binnion, David Unsworth, Ronald Koeman, Duncan Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti. Thank you for believing in him when others didn't.

"The tears shed tonight are happy ones while smiling at anyone who said he’d never make it. Bambi on ice you said. Bambi found his skates.”

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“Dominic Nathaniel Calvert-Lewin, England debut scorer and reward for the hard yards done. Tonight belongs to you. Congratulations son. I love you and I am beyond proud.”

Calvert-Lewin played for amateur club Handsworth FC before signing for the Blades as a youngster in 2005.

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