The small but significant gesture that shows the values Sheffield United instilled in Dominic Calvert-Lewin

When footage of him meeting up with the England squad for the first time since his maiden senior call-up was posted on social media, the small gesture of Dominic Calvert-Lewin removing his flat cap as he greeted manager Gareth Southgate with a handshake was picked up by fans and shared far and wide.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Sheffield United  - Blades Sports PhotographyDominic Calvert-Lewin at Sheffield United  - Blades Sports Photography
Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Sheffield United - Blades Sports Photography

It did not go unnoticed with Nick Cox, either.

The former head of Sheffield United's academy, now in a similar position at Manchester United, was big on the little things. "A bit of Shireclife respect" was Cox's verdict.

If the former Blades youngster earns a first senior England cap tonight, it will be on the back of his sparkling form for Everton so far this season more than anything else.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the grounding he received as a young player in the Blades' ranks has also shaped him personally.

Building on the sterling successes of his predecessors at United's academy, including the likes of Ron Reid, Cox and Co. worked hard to instil good values into their youngsters, producing good people as well as good players.

But the odd hard knock wasn't discouraged, either.

Cox remembers going to watch Calvert-Lewin's debut, as a 17-year-old, on loan at Stalybridge Celtic from United, against Hyde United.

"It was cold, horrible and Dom froze under pressure of senior level football," Cox said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Then just before half-time, he got a whack around his head. He was seeing double and had a big bruise around his eye.

"He was OK, but we immediately saw an issue. He was only there for a month, so if he took an opportunity to come off, he wouldn't be playing much after that.

"So Travis told Dom: 'If you half-think you can stay on, then do'.

L-R John Dungworth, Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Nick Cox - BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHYL-R John Dungworth, Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Nick Cox - BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
L-R John Dungworth, Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Nick Cox - BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

"Don't escape a difficult scenario because things aren't going your way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Dom stayed on, scored a scrappy goal from a yard out and scored two in the reverse fixture, which they won 7-1.

"He ended up scoring five in six games to become a bit of a Stalybridge legend."

Calvert-Lewin still has the scar under his eye to remind him of that game. Soon - whether tonight against Wales or in the coming weeks, months or years - it will be overshadowed by another cap that he will not be in a rush to remove.

Sheffield United academy signings - L-R John Dungworth, Nick Cox, Ben Whiteman, Louis Reed, Nigel Clough ,Otis Khan, Conner Dimaio, Dominic Calvert Lewin & Travis Binnion - © BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHYSheffield United academy signings - L-R John Dungworth, Nick Cox, Ben Whiteman, Louis Reed, Nigel Clough ,Otis Khan, Conner Dimaio, Dominic Calvert Lewin & Travis Binnion - © BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Sheffield United academy signings - L-R John Dungworth, Nick Cox, Ben Whiteman, Louis Reed, Nigel Clough ,Otis Khan, Conner Dimaio, Dominic Calvert Lewin & Travis Binnion - © BLADES SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.