The Leeds United striker has been on top form since his move from Everton and is line for an international recall when Thomas Tuchel names his latest squad
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United celebrates his goal to make it 3-0 vs Newcastle
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United celebrates his goal to make it 3-0 vs Newcastle
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin spent nine seasons in the Premier League with Everton and his most productive campaign was 2020/21 when he scored 16 goals in 33 appearances. He also scored twice in the FA Cup and three times in the EFL Cup.
It was the full Covid season, played almost entirely behind closed doors. There was a theory amongst some Evertonians that Calvert-Lewin felt less pressure without the presence of a set of fans who could be highly critical.
That theory seemed ill-founded. He played in nine matches behind closed doors in the restarted 2019/20 season and did not score once.
And he has performed well under pressure many times in his career. But there is no doubt Calvert-Lewin can experience confidence swings.
And he has spoken honestly and commendably about mental struggles during a career frequently interrupted by injury. Which is why it is fantastic to see Calvert-Lewin full of confidence, loving his football and looking in the form of his life.
He has now scored 16 goals in 34 Premier League appearances for Leeds United. Considering their serious striking issues - Thierno Barry being the only recognised centre-forward - some Everton fans have been lamenting that Calvert-Lewin was allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2024/25 season.
But realistically, the long-standing relationship - he was at Everton for nine seasons - had run its course and a change of scenery was best for him. And when he went to Elland Road, it was hard not to feel it would go one of two ways.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of England misses a chance during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's last appearance for England was in a friendly against Uruguay in March(Image: Getty Images)
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It would be confirmation that physical setbacks had taken a long-term toll on a hugely talented player or it would restart a career that has seemed so promising. It is most definitely the latter.
Calvert-Lewin turns 30 next March but there is every chance we have not seen the best of the Sheffield-born striker. It goes without saying that is fantastic news for Leeds United - it should also be fantastic news for England.
Calvert-Lewin was unlucky not to be taken to the World Cup and Thomas Tuchel, who did give him half an hour in a friendly against Uruguay early in the year, will surely include him in his next squad, which will be announced on Friday. England have four UEFA Nations League matches coming up. They host world champions Spain before travelling to the Czech Republic and Croatia and then returning to Wembley to play the Czechs again.
The Leeds forward - rightly dismayed at having a goal taken away from him after his towering header took a nick off Jayden Bogle - will surely feature in parts of those games. Calvert-Lewin has just run amok against Newcastle in the Premier League, while Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are content with cheap goals and bumper pay deals in Saudi Arabia.
Harry Kane with World Cup bronze medal
England are still heavily reliant on captain Harry Kane(Image: Getty Images)
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Tuchel’s and England’s reliance on Harry Kane remains. And will do up until and throughout Euro 2028.
But Calvert-Lewin still has time to establish himself as a serious alternative, a high-quality back-up. When he came on as a substitute against Uruguay in March, it was his first England appearance in almost five years.
Calvert-Lewin has 12 caps. In the five games he has started, he has scored four goals.
True, the field is thin, but when it comes to the fight to be considered as the main alternative to Kane, Calvert-Lewin should be winning it. And he has not got the confidence to shine on the grandest stages.