Dominic Calvert-Lewin has surprised plenty with his performances for Leeds United this season, with his goals playing a key role in keeping the club comfortably clear of the relegation battle.
Supporters were unconvinced when Leeds signed the striker on a free transfer last summer, given his recent injury record and relatively modest scoring returns. Those concerns initially cast doubt over whether the move would pay off.
The club, however, believed the 28-year-old could make a real impact if he remained fit, and he has justified that faith over the course of the season.
Daniel Farke’s tactical tweak towards the end of 2025 has helped unlock Calvert-Lewin’s best form, sparking renewed confidence in his game and leading to calls for Thomas Tuchel to include him in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Gabriel Agbonlahor indicates that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the best option for the England squad
Calvert-Lewin’s form has led to a clamour for him to return to the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Thomas Tuchel needs a back-up to Harry Kane, and it is hard to ignore the Leeds striker’s form.
However, former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor maintained that, when weighing up all the current options, he still believes Ollie Watkins is the strongest candidate to serve as Harry Kane’s understudy.
He pointed out that Watkins’ recent record for England must take precedence. However, he stressed that he needs to keep scoring, as Tuchel can easily ignore him for a wide man if required.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: “I look at options – Delap, Watkins, Calvert-Lewin, Solanke is coming back from injury and Danny Welbeck.
“I think Ollie Watkins is the best option as he has still got seven goals in the Premier League this season.
“He has got experience, and that goal against the Netherlands in the Euros.
“But he has to continue with form, as I wouldn’t put past it Thomas Tuchel picking extra wingers instead of strikers for the sake of it.”
Calvert-Lewin more than deserves to return to the England squad
Thomas Tuchel will not announce his next England squad until March, when the national team reconvenes for two friendlies, including one against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay.
There is still plenty of time, and a significant number of games, before the England manager finalises his decisions.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 7 | 1 |
| Europa League | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total (All Competitions) | 30 | 7 | 1 |
Calvert-Lewin is in outstanding form and looks sharper than he has for some time, and if he can remain fit while continuing to score, he will only increase the pressure on Tuchel.
Meanwhile, competitors such as Ollie Watkins only returned to some kind of form recently, with the Leeds striker currently outperforming every English forward bar Harry Kane.
