(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Tue 31 March 2026 17:40, UK

Thomas Tuchel could be the man for Leeds United to thank if they see Dominic Calvert-Lewin get back to his best after his return from England camp.

Calvert-Lewin was dismissed from the England squad before the nation’s second friendly of the international break against Japan.

The decision was reportedly something that was pre-agreed, and not injury-related, but it’s something the Englishman probably felt down about regardless.

The striker hasn’t been in the best form for the Whites recently, and that most likely contributed to his performance against Uruguay, with chances of a World Cup spot now in doubt.

However, Calvert-Lewin has shown his best at Leeds this campaign, and Tuchel’s choice may only help the Whites for the run-in.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin now has major chance to prove Thomas Tuchel wrong

Calvert-Lewin was included in Tuchel’s enlarged 35-man squad for the break, so that the German head coach could have a detailed look at everyone.

But the decision to send the Leeds star back to Thorp Arch early may have only hurt the player’s feelings, considering multiple players also left due to injuries.

Leeds are approaching a crucial point in their own season, as they sit four points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone.

The Whites may have been in the drop zone at this point if Calvert-Lewin didn’t turn out to be as successful as he has under Daniel Farke.

Leeds and Farke will be hoping that the striker’s frustrations bleed into performances at Elland Road in a good way, with relegation still a possibility.

The 28-year-old already revived his career in LS11 once before, and his form needs a boost; with this, his motivation to go off.

Daniel Farke needs to stick to these basics with Calvert-Lewin

Leeds have seen the majority of their success stem from switching to a three centre-back formation and two up top.

Calvert-Lewin has been a constant starter with Lukas Nmecha usually the man by his side, though Farke has rotated at times.

The Leeds boss needs to remember what has got his main number nine to the goal tally that he’s now on: getting balls into the six-yard box.

It doesn’t need to be pretty for the Whites now, just effective, and putting an arm around Calvert-Lewin at this stage of the season could be definitive.