Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Declan Carr

Fri 8 May 2026 13:43, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have extra pressure on his shoulders in Leeds United‘s next two matches.

The Whites travel to face Tottenham on 11 May before hosting Brighton on 17 May, and the striker needs to stand out.

His chances of making the England squad for the World Cup may well depend on how he performs in those matches.

Thomas Tuchel will be keeping a close eye on the 29-year-old’s showings for the LS11 side in the next few weeks, with a new date locked in for his selections.

Leeds fans will hope to see him at the tournament as his performances for the Elland Road side deserve a berth.

Why are Leeds’ next two games so important for Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin’s England hopes have taken a huge upturn at Leeds, as he has notched 12 goals in 32 Premier League matches.

However, he has two goals in his last nine games, and still needs to convince the German that he is right man to bolster the squad and book his place.

England confirmed on 8 May that the squad for the tournament will be announced on 22 May, therefore, the final game of the season against West Ham will not influence Tuchel’s decisions.

Calvert-Lewin has to ensure that he impresses the boss in the two aforementioned games, if he is to have a chance of being called up.

What are Calvert-Lewin’s chances of making the squad?

Calvert-Lewin will likely not start if he is selected to travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico, as Harry Kane is the Three Lions’ clear number one.

However, he could still play a part, if the nation needs a goal late on, or if the Bayern Munich frontman picks up an injury.

He should be in the squad, as he is the second most in-form striker that the country has, scoring more than Ollie Watkins (11) and Dominic Solanke (three), the other potential options.

He should have the chance to add to his 12 caps, which he has already earned, but the former Chelsea manager may choose to go in a different direction.

His resurgence since signing for the Peacocks last summer has been nothing short of brilliant, and Tuchel must recognise that with a justified reward.