Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the England set up for the first time since 2021. The former Everton man has rediscovered himself after a few years where he has not been at his best.
Calvert-Lewin spent a lot of time at Everton, and his last few seasons at the club were not his best. He was often injured and his production was not as great as it once was. So when he left the club on a free at the end of last season, there were very few clubs showing interest. A striker who was injury prone and had a limited goalscoring record was not a hot commodity on the market.
But Leeds United decided to take the gamble no one would, singing the former Everton star on a free transfer. It took a while for him to adjust after zero pre-season, but when he kicked into gear, he showed the world how good he could be. Calvert-Lewin played his way into the England squad for the March international break.
Ian Wright gives verdict on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s World Cup hopes
Thomas Tuchel decided to reward the striker for his hard work, and not only that, he was given a chance to prove himself. The England boss made it clear ahead of the break that the team needed an alternative to Harry Kane, so they were actively looking at other strikers. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was given just over 30 minutes off the bench against Uruguay on Friday night. He did make an impression as he put himself about and showed more than Dominic Solanke, who he replaced.
Unfortunately the biggest talking point of the night came when he missed a big chance, as he put his header wide. England ended up drawing the game, so the goal could have made a difference. After the match, Ian Wright gave his honest view on if Calvert-Lewin could make the World Cup.
“He’s a focal point, that’s got everything, his aerial ability, his defensive ability, he’s in the box, he’s a box player and on form, I don’t think there’s anyone that can stop him in the air, especially. He’s someone who, if you can play towards his strengths, he will score. He causes problems in every single game I’ve watched him play. I’m delighted to see him get his chance again because he’s gone through so much to get here.”
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Leeds United striker can end his season on a high
England still have a game against Japan next, so Dominic Calvert-Lewin has another chance to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup. But the game against Uruguay was a huge test, and the striker should have scored. There is every chance the Leeds man gets on the plane to the World Cup, but that means he will have to perform in the games till the end of the season. Having already scored 10 goals this campaign, there is every reason to believe Calvert-Lewin can start scoring again.
