\n<\/p>\n
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is making the case for a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup each time he scores the highest score of his career.<\/p>\n
The striker scored in six games in a row as Leeds drew 1-1 with Sunderland but missed out on a chance to move into fifth place in the Premier League on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Having remained injury-free and in the best form of his professional career, Calvert-Lewin makes a strong case to be Harry Kane’s backup in England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.<\/p>\n
The tying goal at Stadium of Light came in the 47th minute with a trademark one-touch finish from close range, off a cross from USA forward Brenden Aaronson.<\/p>\n
Calvert-Lewin has scored eight league goals, more than any other English player.<\/p>\n
“I feel good, I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m enjoying playing with the players,” said Calvert-Lewin, who last played for England at the 2021 European Championship and left Everton in the summer after experiencing injury problems. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of tests of character, but I persevered through it, kept moving forward, kept pushing myself back, and now I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simon Adingra put Sunderland ahead in the 28th minute, following Granit Xhaka’s deft pass behind the full-backs and firing a right-footed shot inside the far post.<\/p>\n
The match was a clash between promoted teams, with Sunderland, seventh in the table so far this season, favored.<\/p>\n
However, Leeds are currently unbeaten in five games and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.<\/p>\n
Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 1-0 away thanks to Archie Gray’s first-half header, securing their second win in nine league games.<\/p>\n
The win took some of the pressure off Spurs manager Thomas Frank and lifted his team to 11th place, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.<\/p>\n
Gray scored the goal in the 42nd minute when he headed a corner kick at the far post into the center of the area.<\/p>\n
Palace have lost three league games in a row and may be struggling to cope with the increased fixture load brought on by their participation in the UEFA Conference League.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
Steve Douglas is https:\/\/twitter.com\/sdouglas80<\/span><\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n