Thomas Tuchel called up Leeds United duo James Trafford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of this international break. But there is the feeling two more players could have made the cut.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned his recall to the England squad after years away earlier this year. And despite missing the World Cup, his current form sees him back in Tuchel’s books.
The Three Lions have been after a backup for Harry Kane, but no one seems to have filled the void.
Calvert-Lewin was given the chance, but did not grab it before the World Cup. Now he gets another chance to impress the technical team during this international break.
Since the start of last season, the striker has scored 19 goals in all competitions – leading English strikers in the Premier League.
Leeds United pair deserve an England chance
James Justin and Jayden Bogle. Credit: IMAGO
James Trafford also returns to the fold, but for the first time as a Leeds United player.
The former Manchester City keeper has been fighting for the number one spot over the last year. His switch to Elland Road this summer could give him the perfect opportunity to replace Jordan Pickford.
But there is a valid case that Jayden Bogle and James Justin should have made the squad.
| Season | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 5 | 2 |
| 2024/25 | 2 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | 1 | 0 |
Thomas Tuchel has not had a consistent right back option since last year, and is not a fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reece James and Tino Livramento are also injury prone.
That is in contrast to Jayden Bogle, who has been ever-present over the last few seasons. His productivity is also impressive; nine goals and six assists in the last two seasons.
James Justin is reportedly on the radar of England coaches, per Graeme Bailey.
They are said to admire his versatility, which has become a key facet of Thomas Tuchel’s England side – he prefers players who can fill multiple roles. At Leeds, Justin has played centre back, right back and left back.
He also has a high level of technical ability regardless of the roles he plays.
| Position | Games Played |
|---|---|
| Right Back | 8 |
| Right Wingback | 4 |
| Centre Back | 13 |
| Left Back | 2 |
| Left Wingback | 11 |
READ MORE: Daniel Farke sends message to Leeds United pair after major disappointment
Justin and Bogle will be key to Daniel Farke’s plans this season
James Justin and Jayden Bogle have been very good this season, and should be in the frame for England call-ups.
But their importance to Leeds should not be understated. The duo are Daniel Farke’s tactical pieces in this system, he needs at least one of them in the lineup to make the team tick.
His preference to use Justin at right centre back is to allow flexibility.
Since the former Leicester man can play right back, playing in the back three allows him freedom – to cover defensively for Jayden Bogle and make runs from deep that cannot be tracked.
Bogle himself is a one-man flank down the right; his overlaps are great and he has instinct in the box. As a defender, he remains one of Farke’s best attackers; how far Leeds can go this season depends on both Bogle and Justin being fit and available.
