Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin selected as 2018 England Men's U21 Player of the Year
Friday 18 January 2019 17:40, UK
Harry Kane has been voted England Men's Player of the Year for the second year running.
Kane led England to a first FIFA World Cup semi-final in 28 years, becoming only the second Englishman to claim the Golden Boot with six goals.
The England captain also scored the decisive goal to send Gareth Southgate's men to the inaugural UEFA Nations League finals this summer and found the net eight times in 12 appearances during 2018.
Kane said: "To be voted England's best player for the second successive year is something I'm immensely proud of. After such a monumental year, this award has particular significance as it's always an honour to be recognised by the people that count the most - the fans.
"However, it took a collective effort from my England team-mates, Gareth Southgate and his staff to achieve such a positive 2018 and we were backed by fantastic support both from the stands and back at home along the way.
"We don't want 2018 to be our only high point so here's to continued progression with Euro 2020 qualifying and the UEFA Nations League finals in 2019."
Calvert-Lewin was a key member of Aidy Boothroyd's England U21 squad as they booked their place at this summer's UEFA U21 European Championship in Italy and San Marino with an undefeated qualifying record.
The Everton striker chalked up seven appearances and found the net on five occasions for the Young Lions throughout 2018.
After being picked to win the award by a panel of pundits, Calvert-Lewin said: "It's a pleasant surprise. I got the message on Thursday night to say that I had won so I'm delighted to receive such an accolade.
"It's great for Harry to win the senior one and nice for me to get the U21 Player of the Year.
"It has been a productive year for me with England. We are building up to the European Championships now and working hard in preparation for that tournament.
"I have managed to get a few goals in the qualifiers and friendlies and I feel my form has been pretty good. I have tried to take that into the Premier League and kick on from there."
