Why rejuvenated Dominic Calvert-Lewin could earn a shock inclusion in England's World Cup squad

Eyebrows were raised when Leeds United signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he is defying the doubters in some style.

The former Everton striker, 28, has scored six goals in his last five Premier League games to prompt calls for a shock inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.

Here, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall assesses Calvert-Lewin’s recent renaissance and whether Thomas Tuchel could be tempted to pick him.

How did he end up joining Leeds?

Daniel Farke was keen to bolster his newly-promoted side’s attacking options in the summer with Lukas Nmecha a free transfer arrival from Wolfsburg before Calvert-Lewin signed as a free agent following his departure from Everton.

He had struggled badly for fitness and form in recent seasons yet Farke was happy to hand him a three-year deal after Calvert-Lewin rejected offers from clubs in the Champions League.

Getty Images

A bit of a “risky” move

Having arrived from hometown club Sheffield United in 2016, Calvert-Lewin scored 57 goals in 239 Premier League appearances for Everton, with his best haul of 21 in all competitions in 2020-21.

Since then he has failed to reach double figures and was restricted to just 18 games in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns.

In all, Calvert-Lewin scored 71 goals in 273 games for Everton but his struggles in recent seasons made signing him a gamble from Leeds.

Farke admitted in August: “Of course it’s always a bit risky to sign players who’ve had difficult years with a few injuries.

“There are always question marks and doubts.

“But if Dominic had his prime season last season he wouldn’t have been a free agent and affordable for a newly-promoted side, so it’s about the balance of risk and reward.

“Dominic’s at a really good age, he’s a top character and if he can reach his former heights everyone will celebrate and tell us it’s a bargain.”

 

Early-season form did little to dispel the doubters

Calvert-Lewin made his debut for Leeds off the bench in their Carabao Cup second-round tie at Hillsborough, but missed a number of chances.

Leeds lost on penalties after Calvert-Lewin sent his spot-kick over the crossbar before he was introduced off the bench again four days later in a goalless draw at home to Newcastle.

He got off the mark at the fourth time of asking in a 3-1 win at Wolves with a deft header but then came a run of seven games without a goal.

The fact Leeds lost five of them merely exacerbated the view that they lacked the quality to compete at the highest level.

Calvert-Lewin was dropped from the starting line-up after a dismal 3-0 defeat at Brighton on November 1 and replaced by Nmecha.

It began a run of four successive games as a substitute, all of which ended in defeat.

Getty Images

Leeds United’s Renaissance Man

When Leeds went to Manchester City on November 29, they were expected to be steamrollered.

At half-time – 2-0 down and facing humiliation – Farke was being tipped to be sacked before the Christmas decorations went up.

But during the interval at the Etihad, the German made a brave, bold move.

He switched to a 5-3-2 which saw Calvert-Lewin introduced at half-time to play alongside ex-City man Nmecha.

The tactical switch proved transformative as Calvert-Lewin scored within four minutes of his introduction and then won a penalty which Nmecha converted to equalise.

Phil Foden scored a late winner for Pep Guardiola’s side, but for Leeds the new formation provided new hope.

Getty Images

Hot streak leading to England recall talk

After scoring against City, Calvert-Lewin netted again in a 3-1 home win over Chelsea before notching in the 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool.

That prompted talk of a potential England recall for a man who won the last of his 11 England caps in June 2021.

Having scored a headed equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Brentford, Calvert-Lewin then scored twice to help Leeds to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Calvert-Lewin had not scored a Premier League brace since bagging a double against Fulham for Everton in November 2020.

The Palace game saw him become the first Leeds player to score in five successive Premier League games since Mark Viduka in August 2003.

Farke was again asked afterwards about Calvert-Lewin's chances of forcing his way into the England reckoning, saying: “That’s a question for Thomas but we are blessed and fortunate that we have him.

“He's in great form, but right now it’s too soon to call Dom a Leeds United legend. He has to keep going.”

Getty Images

How realistic is an England call-up?

Harry Kane is by far and away the best striker that Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal, that cannot be denied.

The Three Lions skipper will lead the line at next summer’s World Cup but how much depth is there beyond Kane?

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is a class act but has hardly been on fire, scoring just three goals this season in a team that is flying high.

Calvert-Lewin’s physicality and ability to hold the ball up, as well as find the net, will not have gone unnoticed by Tuchel.

England’s only games between now and the end of the season are friendlies at the end of March against Uruguay and Japan, after which Tuchel should have a good idea of his final World Cup squad.

Calvert-Lewin has four goals in 11 games for England but can he add to that tally? On current form, you wouldn’t rule it out.

Getty Images

How to watch the Premier League in Canada on DAZN

DAZN is the home of soccer in Canada, with the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Carabao Cup, National League, Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Juliper Pro League, Saudi Pro League, Frauen Bundesliga, USL Super League, and Sports Direct Women's Premiership, club friendlies, and international friendlies are all available for Canadian fans.

For the 2025-26 season, Canadians will also be able to watch the Premier League and Serie A through Fubo Sports on DAZN, along with Serie A women, giving fans even more top-level soccer to consume.

How much does a DAZN subscription cost in Canada?

A DAZN subscription comes in three options, which include different sports packages, with two tiers in each option.