Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Samuel Fabre

Thu 26 March 2026 10:40, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exploits at Leeds United have left him with a chance of making England’s World Cup squad in June.

Calvert-Lewin has been a phenomenal signing for Leeds, but it’s safe to say that he hasn’t been at his best in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old has now gone six games without a goal, but his goalscoring streak a few months ago was enough for Thomas Tuchel to call him up for this international break.

Daniel Farke has been incredibly impressed with his striker, who has managed to maintain full fitness for the majority of the campaign.

Leeds would be in a worse position without Calvert-Lewin, and with the World Cup taking place in three months, Tuchel may feel that he could play a vital role in the squad.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has all the qualities Thomas Tuchel needs for England

With 10 Premier League goals this season, only Danny Welbeck (12) has scored more among English strikers in the top flight than Calvert-Lewin, and there is a serious argument for him to be included in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

However, it’s not just his form in front of goal that is impressive, but also his physical strengths off the ball.

According to Sofascore, Calvert-Lewin has won 97 aerial duels and 143 ground duels in the Premier League this season, which shows how tenacious he is against opposition defenders.

Having won the ball back 16 times in the final third, the 29-year-old has a lot of energy, and he has proven to be a handful up front.

His xG of 11.59 is higher than 90 per cent of all other strikers in the top flight, with his experience coming in incredibly handy for the Whites.

Calvert-Lewin may not be at his best right now, but it’s undeniable that the role he has played for Leeds can be beneficial for the Three Lions.

And while rival fans may question his inclusion, the former Everton man can provide an alternative threat in the final third.

How Calvert-Lewin offers something different to other English strikers

Harry Kane is obviously starting up front, but if he is unfit, then England’s back-up striker will have to be similar if Tuchel wants to maintain his preferred style of play.

The likes of Welbeck and Ollie Watkins were snubbed by the German head coach, but it isn’t entirely surprising.

Calvert-Lewin’s physicality is a big part of how Tuchel wants his England side to dominate, and that’s also why he included out-of-form Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, who provides an imposing presence up front.

Calvert-Lewin’s re-emergence as a top forward has come at the perfect time, and it feels as though he has a really strong chance of travelling to North America for the World Cup.

Friendlies against Japan and Uruguay in the next week will only strengthen or weaken his case, but Tuchel’s initial show of faith in the Leeds man will only boost his confidence.