At youth level for England, Dominic Solanke has been absolutely lethal.
For the U20s, the Bournemouth man scored 10 goals in 15 appearances as he went on to help his nation win the 2017 World Cup for that age group. Meanwhile, for the U21s, he has netted nine times in 17 games.
So when he stepped onto the Stadio Dino Manuzzi pitch last night to take on France U21s in the European Championship, much was expected of him.
However, it was a disappointing night for Solanke as he and England fell to a 2-1 defeat to Sylvain Ripoll’s side.
The 21-year-old just could not get into the game and offered very little up front. As per WhoScored, Solanke did not register a single shot on target, though he can point to Demarai Gray’s incapability to find him in the box after he took up some good positions.
Still, Solanke will know he has to improve, especially with his former Chelsea team-mate Tammy Abraham breathing down his neck.
After a season where he was able to find the back of the net an incredible 26 times in the Championship for Aston Villa, a case easily could have been made for Abraham in regards to who should have started up front.
In the end, though, Aidy Boothroyd gave Solanke the nod and he will now be desperate to repay the faith shown in him by his manager if he is selected ahead of Abraham again for the game against Romania.
It is a good chance to remind everyone how good he is at this level and a good tournament overall could really give his club boss Eddie Howe something to think about going into the new season.
Bournemouth fans, can you see Solanke making a big impact at the Vitality Stadium? Let us know in the comment section below!
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