Exclusive:I played in three World Cups for England - Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin must do one thing to earn 2026 squad spot
The Leeds United striker will have a chance to impress Thomas Tuchel this month.
Former England striker Michael Owen insists Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin must show his ability to be an impact sub if he wants to secure a 2026 World Cup squad spot.
Calvert-Lewin was called up to represent his country for the first time in five years for the March international break. It is just rewards for a debut season at Elland Road in which the 29-year-old has remained fit virtually the entire time while scoring 10 Premier League goals.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel named a larger-than-usual 35-man squad, with those on the fringes - like Calvert-Lewin - given a chance to impress against Uruguay this coming Thursday. Those more nailed-on first-team regulars will then join up ahead of next Tuesday’s meeting with Japan.
Speaking to the YEP, Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, said: “It’s great for Dominic to get a chance to be in the England squad following his performances this season for Leeds. This is well deserved too.
“He has been out the England set up for a while, but is having a very good season for Leeds. So yes, he should be considered by Tuchel for sure. Come the World Cup, my gut feeling is that if Harry Kane is not starting, he will look at a false 9 to start, for example [Jude] Bellingham.
“So I feel he just possibly wouldn’t start Calvert Lewin. But as an impact sub, it is feasible for sure.”
What Dominic Calvert-Lewin must do to earn England World Cup spot
That Calvert-Lewin is even being considered for a place at this summer’s World Cup is testament to his hard work at Leeds. But while Harry Kane is out in front as the obvious first-choice No.9, there is plenty of competition to claim that back-up role.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke will also be involved this month while two alternatives left out - Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck of Brighton - both scored for their respective clubs over the weekend. For Calvert-Lewin, this opportunity is about showing Tuchel he can offer something different to Kane from the bench.
“During this camp, he just needs to be himself,” Owen, who played in three World Cups for England, added. “[He needs to] show willingness to be part of the group, be a good squad member around the camp.
“Then [he needs to] perform when and if he plays in any of the friendly matches. And when I say perform, be that impact sub that he could be come summer.”