Leeds United star 'in the England conversation' after record-breaking exploits

Seeing Dominic Calvert-Lewin wheel away in celebration after scoring yet another goal is becoming an increasingly familiar and welcome sight for Leeds United supporters.

After a slow start to life at Elland Road, the former Everton striker has hit a purple patch in front of goal and his equaliser in Sunday’s hard-earned draw at Sunderland ensured he became the first Whites player to score in six consecutive Premier League games. Since netting his second Leeds goal in a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City in late November, Calvert-Lewin has racked up seven goals in six games and now looks like a constant threat in front of goal.

Unsurprisingly, his form has also reignited talk of a possible return to the England setup ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals in North America. As it stands, Calvert-Lewin has four goals in 11 senior appearances for the Three Lions - but he has not featured since a substitute appearance in a Euro 2020 quarter-final win against Ukraine that took place during the summer of 2021.

The Whites frontman has always kept talk of a recall at arm’s length and appeared to remain focused on impressing at club level when he was asked about his England aspirations in recent days.

He said: "That was a long time ago. I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going and kept pushing. I've backed myself and here I am now. It's always a good feeling to be scoring regularly. I'm in a good moment at the minute. My timing is good. I'm feeling good, feeling strong and I'm enjoying playing with the lads."

With Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane firmly established as Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice frontman, there appears to be a vacancy for alternative options and Calvert-Lewin is ‘going to be in the conversation’ alongside the likes of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins according to one former England midfielder.

What has been said about Daniel Calvert-Lewin’s England hopes?

Speaking on Match of the Day, former England midfielder Danny Murphy said: "He (Calvert-Lewin) looks as fit as he has in a long time. That comes with playing consecutive games, scoring goals, then your confidence goes up as well. You can see he's got that strut back, that kind of confidence and belief in himself. Nobody's ever doubted his ability or attributes.

"If he maintains this level of form until the end of the season, then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place because his level at the moment is really high and he offers something different. He is fantastic in the air and could give teams real problems off the bench.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams and get in behind. I'm not saying Calvert-Lewin doesn't want to run in behind, because he does, but I think Watkins has the edge when it comes to speed.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament. Calvert-Lewin made two substitute appearances at Euro 2020 but Watkins had that big moment by scoring the winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands at Euro 2024. He will also have a slight advantage in terms of understanding and relationships with the players in the current squad."

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