Credit: Imago/Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Declan Carr

Thu 21 May 2026 20:45, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin‘s chances of making the England squad for the World Cup look in tatters, despite his Leeds United form.

The Whites star has notched 14 goals and one assist in the Premier League this season, with many tipping him for a berth in the 26-man squad.

He has had a remarkable first season at Elland Road, and was recalled to the England squad in March after a five-year absence.

However, he departed that camp early after just one appearance, leading to speculation over Thomas Tuchel’s plans for him.

It appears that there is no place for the Leeds man in the Three Lions squad, after reports emerged over who has made it.

No place for Leeds star Calvert-Lewin after England leaks?

Calvert-Lewin’s recent Leeds form could have changed Tuchel’s mind, but it appears that it has not been enough.

Various reports have named Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as strikers called up for the tournament, and that is troublesome for Calvert-Lewin.

Harry Kane will be the number one striker, and it is unlikely that there is room for four when the squad is officially named on 22 May.

Is Calvert-Lewin’s potential exclusion fair?

Calvert-Lewin is bested by Kane’s 58 strikes, Toney’s 42 and Watkins’ 19 when it comes to goals scored this season, with 15 in all competitions.

The Peacocks man has one assist, while Watkins has five, Toney has 11, and Kane has bagged seven, meaning the Leeds man is bottom of the pile for that metric too.

Therefore, on the face of it, Tuchel’s decision looks fair as the others have more contributions than the LS11 star.

However, they other options to Kane, do not have his physicality, the ability to hold up the ball and cause a nuisance in the air, which could have been valuable.

At the moment, they are only reports, but if they do prove to be true, the Whites man probably will not be heading to United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

It is a huge shame, given his stunning comeback into form this season, after his free transfer from Everton, but it appears he will not get the fairytale ending to the story that he had hoped for.