‘Only one reason Dom didn’t get called up to the Euros – because he’s at Bournemouth’

CHERRIES legend Steve Cook lamented the decision of Gareth Southgate to leave Dominic Solanke out of the England squad, suggesting he only missed out “because he’s at Bournemouth”.

Striker Solanke scored 19 Premier League goals last season, bettered only by Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak.

But Solanke did not make the 26-man England squad, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney instead selected as backup to captain Harry Kane.

Asked if part of the reason why Lloyd Kelly may have decided to move from Cherries to Newcastle United is with international ambitions in mind, Cook told BBC Radio Solent: “I think it gives him a better opportunity.

“Unfortunately, and it should never be the way, but I felt that’s why Dom didn’t get called up to the Euros. I think there was only one reason why Dom didn’t get called up to the Euros and that’s because he’s at Bournemouth, which I think is totally wrong.

“Lloyd might look at that, because there’s no way Dom should’ve missed out on an England call-up, definitely not.

“Lloyd definitely has got aspirations of playing for England and if I’m him and I’m seeing Dom not be called up at Bournemouth, sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.

“I think that will have a consideration for him. I think he’s got the talent to play for England.

“He obviously needs to keep himself fit, improve, play week in, week out in one position, nail down that spot and continue to grow.”

Former Cherries centre-back Steve Cook (Image: Richard Crease)

Speculation continues to surround Solanke’s future after his stellar season, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea linked with interest in the frontman.

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Asked if he feels Solanke may feel he has to leave Cherries if he wants to play for England, Cook added: “I hope not. I apologise to the Cherries fans, but if I was any club in the top six, I would be looking to sign Dom.

“I’ve played with him, I’ve played against him and seen him play this season. For me, he’s got everything that a number nine should have.

“Extremely hardworking, a great finisher, technically fantastic.

“Bournemouth can’t afford to lose Dom this year. I really hope he doesn’t go, because it would be a massive shame for Bournemouth.

“But I do think he’s extremely hard done by not being on the plane to Germany.”

Cook, 33, who played close to 400 games for Cherries, now plies his trade in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.

England get their Euro 2024 campaign underway against Serbia on Sunday (8pm).