Tim Sherwood means no Leeds disrespect as he shares biggest Calvert-Lewin problem
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has exceeded all expectations at Leeds.
Calvert-Lewin went on a run of seven goals in six games at the end of 2025, which helped Leeds steer clear of the relegation zone.
With 10 Premier League goals this season, he leads the way for English strikers in the top flight, and there is a serious argument for him to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins look nailed on to be called up, and whether the German head coach wants three strikers at the 2026 World Cup is unclear.
Tim Sherwood believes that he has given himself the best opportunity to be considered by Tuchel.
Tim Sherwood claims Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be considered by England
Having joined the Whites on a free transfer after nine years at Everton, there were doubts over his ability to stay fit.
Calvert-Lewin had a slow start to life at Elland Road after finding the back of the net just once in his first 12 games.
However, the 28-year-old has thrived when playing alongside another number nine, with the likes of Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor allowing him to do less work off the ball.
| Stat | Calvert-Lewin |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots | 46 |
| xG | 9.26 |
According to Sofascore, he attempts two shots per game in the top flight and has proven himself to be a real handful for opposition defences.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on 16 February, Sherwood responded to a question about the possibility of Calvert-Lewin being called up by Tuchel.
He said: “He’s done well, hasn’t he? The biggest problem he’s had is keeping himself fit.
“He seems to have done that, and he is banging the goals in for a Leeds team that is average, with respect.”
Calvert-Lewin has an abundance of experience in the top flight, and he has proven himself to be a man who can turn up in the big moments for Leeds.
With four goals in 11 appearances for The Three Lions, he has been successful with England in the past, and Tuchel certainly has a huge dilemma on his hands.
Sherwood‘s claim that Leeds being average isn’t necessarily true, especially as several other players have stepped up in the last month.
Leeds’ success isn’t just down to Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Nmecha has only started seven Premier League games, which shows how impressive he has been when coming off the bench for the Whites.
The German striker has scored seven times for Leeds, while Okafor has found the target on four occasions.
Brenden Aaronson has been magnificent in 2026 and provides a goal threat from deeper positions, which Daniel Farke didn’t have at the start of the campaign.
Although the English striker deserves immense praise, it’s unfair to diminish the other attacking players, who have been key to Leeds’ progression this season.
But what’s clear is that if Calvert-Lewin continues to excel alongside his teammates, then Tuchel may have no choice but to include him in his World Cup squad.
For more news on Leeds United, head to Football Insider for the latest on fresh updates and expert reaction.