MARTIN KEOWN: Gareth Southgate now has two front threes to choose from as Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings show they belong at this level
- Gareth Southgate went for an experimental line-up in friendly win over Wales
- England manager will be very pleased with having such strength in depth
- Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings thrived as attacking trio
Seeing Jack Grealish provide an assist and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings score, Gareth Southgate can only have been pleased with his England experiment.
The last front three he selected consisted of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho.
But this front three of Grealish, Calvert-Lewin and Ings looked like it belonged at this level, too.
Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both scored for England in the 3-0 win over Wales
That is a huge plus for England. Calvert-Lewin can be lethal when he stays central and that is what he did here to reach double digits for club and country this season.
I wrote a tactical column last month about how Carlo Ancelotti was turning the striker into a ‘penalty-box predator’ for Everton.
Grealish knew exactly where the 23-year-old would be when he crossed for his team-mate.
Jack Grealish was superb for the Three Lions and the primary creator for England
Calvert-Lewin could hardly miss after Grealish delivered a peach of a cross to him
It was an exquisite ball, and Calvert-Lewin was duly in the six-yard box to head home his debut goal.
The Everton striker’s all-round game was really impressive. He was reliable in holding the ball up and won every header.
Ings was very tidy and scored a superb goal. Southgate can only be happy with all of this.