Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sun 22 March 2026 6:40, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin did not do his World Cup chances any good with his performance in Leeds United‘s 0-0 draw with Brentford on Saturday.

The Whites frontman has been selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March.

The 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes at Elland Road on 21 March, but he could not score the goal that his side needed to secure the three points, and struggled to have an impact.

Calvert-Lewin’s latest Leeds showing will not help his chances of making the tournament, as he faces a battle with a fellow Premier League star.

Who is Calvert-Lewin’s England competition?

Calvert-Lewin’s form has put Leeds in a strong position in the relegation fight, but it has also put him right in the mix for a place on the plane, but he will battle Dominic Solanke for the spot.

Journalist Henry Winter claimed that he was in a shootout with the Tottenham man on 21 March, and it will come down to the Uruguay clash, while also mentioning Danny Welbeck’s exploits in Brighton’s win over Liverpool.

Taking to X, he said: “Danny Welbeck moves ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League.

“Welbeck not in England squad, DCL in shootout with Dominic Solanke in friendly v Uruguay for a shot at a World Cup slot.”

Calvert-Lewin struggles as Leeds draw vs Brentford

The potential Three Lions star had an evening to forget as his side could not overcome Keith Andrews’ side.

He had just one shot in the contest, completing just 55 per cent of his 11 pass attempts and had just 22 touches, per Sofascore.

He lost possession 11 times, meaning that 50 per cent of the touches he had in the match led to the Bees getting the ball back.

How does Calvert-Lewin compare to England rival Solanke?

Calvert-Lewin compares favourably to Solanke in most metrics that Tuchel should value for his attackers.

The Peacocks’ forward has been available much more than the Spurs star, for starters, which will be crucial for the Three Lions at the tournament, they can’t afford to take injury-prone players.

He has played 30 games in all competitions this season, putting his injury issues behind him, something Solanke has not been able to do, with just 16 appearances.

He has also scored more goals, with 10 to Solanke’s six strikes, and has created one assist to the Spurs’ ace’s zero, per Sofascore.

The LS11 forward averages 2.17 shots per game, while his potential replacement in the squad has only managed 1.13.

Calvert-Lewin also beats the former Bournemouth man when it comes to duels, winning 40 per cent to his rivals’ 36 per cent.

In terms of international experience, the Leeds man also comes out on top, with 11 caps to Solanke’s three national team appearances.

Therefore, it seems like an obvious choice as to who should go, and the performance tonight will surely increase Calvert-Lewin’s chances, and he could be the perfect backup to Harry Kane.