Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin told why he missed England World Cup call-up despite 14-goal season
The Leeds United striker missed out on a chance to head to the USA despite a brilliant Premier League campaign.
Former striker Ian Wright believes Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin ‘didn’t do enough’ on a recent England call-up to earn himself a World Cup spot.
Calvert-Lewin returned to the Three Lions set up for the first time in five years during the March international break, featuring off the bench in a friendly draw against Uruguay. The Leeds striker was rewarded for an outstanding debut campaign at Leeds in which he’d scored 10 goals at the time - a tally he eventually increased to 14.
A 34-minute appearance flattered to deceive, however, with Calvert-Lewin squandering a glorious chance to score. He returned to Thorp Arch ahead of England’s second game against Japan, a decision that was pre-planned and not related to the Leeds striker’s performance.
Calvert-Lewin was still in with a shout of joining Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup but missed out, with first-choice striker Harry Kane joined by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who plays club football in Saudi Arabia. And former striker Wright gave his thoughts on why.
"You look at him, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, I just don’t think that he did enough, and it’s clear Toney offers more," he told ITV. "In the game the other day [a friendly vs New Zealand], you can see why Tuchel selected Toney. [Dominic] Solanke had his chance, and Calvert-Lewin had his chance – he just didn’t do enough.
“I think the three he has selected all offer what we need and complement each other. Ollie Watkins can offer something different, too, so you can see why he was selected as well, because he will chase.
“England have the right three strikers. Those that missed out will be disappointed, but in Kane, Toney and Watkins I think that’s exactly what England need."
Calvert-Lewin will instead watch his international teammates across the Atlantic Ocean this summer. England kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Texas on June 17 before meeting Ghana in Boston six days later. Tuchel’s side round off their Group G commitments against Panama on June 27.
While the lack of World Cup call-up will be disappointing for Calvert-Lewin, an opportunity to rest up will be welcomed. The 29-year-old was virtually ever-present for Leeds last season, putting to bed recent fitness concerns to play 35 Premier League games.
Leeds will hope the break provides an opportunity for Calvert-Lewin to come back for pre-season fit and ready to go. The Whites have three games over in the USA as July turns to August before a couple of friendlies closer to home.