Gareth Southgate has praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin for speaking about about his mental health after the Everton striker posted a heartfelt message on social media on Monday evening.
Following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign, which ended in dramatic fashion for the Blues with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in their penultimate game, the Blues star addressed what had he admitted had been a difficult term for him. Injury problems severely restricted his game time for much of the season.
However, the striker also addressed off-field issues which had been playing on his mind over the course of the last few months. Calvert-Lewin said he was now in a good place, but there had been tough moments.
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He wrote: "On a personal note I have had to dig deep within myself at times this season and have endured some of the most difficult times of my career and my life to date. The love and support helped carry me through.
"One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel.
"To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life. It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you’ll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses."
England manager Southgate was asked about the message in a press conference following his latest squad announcement. Calvert-Lewin will not be involved for his country in the coming weeks after recently earning his place back in the Everton starting line-up.
The Three Lions manager admitted that he hadn't had time to full read the statement from the Blues striker. However, he did praise him for speaking out and highlighted that no-one can know what is going on behind-the-scenes in people's lives.
He told the media: "I saw a headline this morning, I haven't had the time to read in any depth. I think there's a reality around the game and public life generally that is challenging, and probably more challenging than it's ever been.
"We'd be naïve not to be aware of that and not to think that's happening. Whether players are prepared to speak about it openly or not, that's the world they live in.
"As a performer there's lots of doubts in your mind about things anyway, and nobody knows what is going on in somebody's personal life or their thought process. So I think we're all happy when people speak about it, because I think it's reassuring for others that might be feeling that way.
"It's a message that even very successful people do have those doubts and do have those problems. Hopefully Dominic's in a good place now, it's good that he's flagged it and to talk is very important."
