Credit: Manh Tung/Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 31 March 2026 15:10, UK

Daniel Farke will be grateful to Thomas Tuchel that Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not risked for England against Japan.

The forward received his first call-up to the national side for the first time since 2021 after excelling for the Whites this season.

The Englishman did not start against Uruguay in the opening game of this international break, instead receiving 34 minutes off the bench.

Calvert-Lewin will have eyes on the World Cup, but returning to Elland Road early made his chances of making the squad look slim.

However, the decision to send Calvert-Lewin home looks to have been made before the camp even started, a choice Farke will be thankful for ahead of Leeds’ relegation battle.

When Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision was made by England

When a player gets sent home early from international duty, fans can jump to conclusions. In this case, many felt Tuchel was left unimpressed with Calvert-Lewin, or worse, injured.

The 29-year-old was not given much of a chance against Uruguay, with the striker taking just eight touches in 34 minutes.

However, according to what Graham Smyth has heard, Calvert-Lewin leaving the England camp early was always on the cards and is not linked to his performance.

Smyth said: “In response to some of the narrative around Dominic Calvert-Lewin being ‘sent home early’, the noise from the England camp is that his return to Leeds was not linked to performance. Was pre-planned.”

The news that Tuchel has always planned to release the striker early will delight Farke, who may now owe his fellow German a thank-you.

Leeds desperately need Calvert-Lewin to remain fit, and a short break for the forward ahead of West Ham in the FA Cup is ideal.

Calvert-Lewin decision even sweeter after Noah Okafor latest

Noah Okafor has received an injury setback while away with Switzerland, an outcome Farke will be unsettled by.

Okafor received his first call-up to the national team since 2024 after previously falling out with the manager.

Now, with the Leeds forward in doubt ahead of the upcoming matches, Farke will be even more delighted that Calvert-Lewin was allowed to return early.

The Englishman may now be the only striker the Whites manager can rely on towards the end of the season.

Even missing just one game for England can do a whole lot for Calvert-Lewin’s recovery and reduce the risk of fatigue.