How Calvert-Lewin And Ings Sharpened Their Lions' Teeth!

By Sam Elliott

He scored minutes into his England debut tonight and Dominic Calvert-Lewin knows exactly how the young cub grew into a Lion.

The Everton striker nodded home a tremendous centre from Jack Grealish, the former Notts County player, at Wembley Stadium.

England beat Wales 3-0 in the friendly, and the game acted as a reminder to the importance of the game below the Premier League.

Danny Ings also benefited from time in the National League South, on loan at Dorchester Town in season 2010-11 from AFC Bournemouth.

Ings scored an incredible third to wrap up victory tonight.

Calvert-Lewin was a 17-year-old when he cut his now razor-sharp teeth in the National League North with Stalybridge Celtic.

On loan from Sheffield United, he remembered in particular one game on Boxing Day 2014.

He got a little too close for comfort with a Hyde defender - but those hard knocks stood him in good stead.

“From a throw-in, I went to flick it on and I flicked my head one way and he’s gone ‘bang’ and head-butted me in the face!” he recalled.

“So I knew from pretty early what was required. I played the rest of the game with one eye because this one closed up.

“I went on to score two goals in that game and it was a good experience and I enjoyed getting beaten up! I’ve always enjoyed the physical battle.”

Calvert-Lewin and Ings weren't the only former National League star to impress Gareth Southgate.

Nick Pope, who pulled on the shirt for Aldershot, York City and Welling United, pulled off a number of good saves.

Tyrone Mings, who came on to set-up England’s fantastic third goal, was spotted while playing for Chippenham Town.

Wales also know the importance of giving opportunities.

Kieffer Moore, the former Torquay United, Yeovil and Dorchester player, started in attack - with Joe Morrell also begun the match. He played for Sutton United under Paul Doswell.

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