Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sat 23 May 2026 18:10, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will still be dealing with the disappointment over not making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, but the Leeds United forward can prove him wrong immediately.

The Englishman has been on top form throughout this season, and based on that, he looked like a strong contender to make the World Cup squad.

Tuchel said it was a close decision between Calvert-Lewin and Ivan Toney, but in the end, it was heartbreak for the Leeds star.

At Elland Road, that could end up fuelling the striker for the final game of the season and even heading into next campaign too.

Ahead of Leeds facing West Ham, the Whites forward has an immediate chance to prove the German wrong to snub him.

How Dominic Calvert-Lewin can send immediate message to Tuchel

Tuchel’s reasoning to leave out Calvert-Lewin made little sense and the striker has every reason to question the snub.

However, the 29-year-old, while likely disappointed, is a model professional, and he will do his talking on the pitch.

The qualities that Calvert-Lewin has to offer perfectly match up against the weaknesses that the Hammers hold.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is one of the least equipped sides at dealing with set pieces, conceding 17 throughout the season, and that is often due to how good you are in the air.

However, for Calvert-Lewin, his aerial presence is one of his best traits. This season, only Ollie Watkins, Raul Jimenez and Jean-Philippe Mateta have scored more headed goals, with four compared to the Leeds man’s three.

Additionally, no striker has won more aerial duels than Calvert-Lewin’s 127 over the season. So with that in mind, he has every chance to instantly prove to Tuchel he should be on the plane.

What is Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s best goalscoring season?

Calvert-Lewin has spent quite a lot of time in the Premier League, and he has enjoyed plenty of successful spells.

This season is perhaps one of his biggest standouts in terms of goalscoring, but where does it lie throughout his career?

As things stand, it is not quite his best campaign in the English top flight, but he has an opportunity to match or even better his most successful season.

In 2020-2021, Calvert-Lewin netted 16 goals for Everton. Right now, he is currently on a total of 14.

So with a brace, he could equal his best season, and a hat trick would better it.

While Leeds may have little to play for, on a personal note, the English striker will be hungry for goals and to prove Tuchel wrong.