Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned his 14th international cap on Tuesday night when he came on against the Czech Republic in England’s 3-0 Nations League win.
The Leeds striker forced his way back into the England squad after scoring three in the opening five Premier League games of the season, and looking like a forward on fire.
Thomas Tuchel had no option but to recall him to the England squad after he was snubbed for the World Cup in the summer, where Ivan Toney was seen as a better option than Calvert-Lewin.
However, he made just two substitute appearances in the four England games during the break and played just 15 minutes of football for the Three Lions.
Read More: “Better than Haaland” – talkSPORT pundit makes incredible Leeds United claim live on air
Dominic Calvert-Lewin appearance draws ‘surprise’ response
The Leeds striker replaced England captain Harry Kane for the last eight minutes of their 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
Calvert-Lewin cannot be faulted for failing to score or make an impact in an eight-minute cameo, especially with the game more or less done by then.
However, Matthew Upson was surprised that Tuchel replaced Kane towards the end of the game, as he indicated the England captain could have played the full 90 minutes.
He did admit that by the time Calvert-Lewin came on, the game had become flat, with England cruising to a win in the Nations League clash.
“I’m a little bit surprised”, Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live, as quoted by MOT Leeds News.
“When you look at the game, it has gone a little bit flat – the edge and the energy have gone out of the England team.”
Read More: Ex-Everton boss makes surprise Dominic Calvert-Lewin admission: “We tried…”
Calvert-Lewin deserved better during the international break
Calvert-Lewin’s England return has been a little frustrating from a Leeds perspective. After earning his recall on the back of an excellent start to the season at Elland Road, he has been given just 15 minutes across two substitute appearances during the international break.
Against Spain, he came on for Harry Kane in the 82nd minute, and again in the 82nd minute against the Czech Republic.
You can understand why Thomas Tuchel has stuck with Kane, but Calvert-Lewin deserved more chances. He has been one of Leeds’ most important players since arriving, and the Premier League highlighted his six goals in five matches before the break.
Fifteen minutes is barely enough time to make a case. If England genuinely wanted to assess whether Calvert-Lewin can offer something different up front, giving him a proper run-out would have made far more sense.
Come on back home Dominic and we’ll cap you every week and you’ll be a starter.
Tuchel, hand your head in shame.