Dominic Calvert‑Lewin has been outstanding for Leeds United, and a former Premier League striker has suggested he should be considered by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup.
Bruna Reis
20:42, 07 Feb 2026
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
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Andy Gray says Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be considered for the World Cup.(Image: Getty Images)
Richard Keys disagreed that Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be picked ahead of Ivan Toney for this summer's World Cup - and his response left Andy Gray stunned. With the tournament fast approaching, Thomas Tuchel faces a major selection decision.
The German's system relies heavily on direct runners and creative wide players, prompting debate around Toney and Calvert-Lewin. The Leeds striker has been in fine form at Elland Road since joining as a free agent in the summer, scoring 10 goals in 18 Premier League starts.
If he maintains that level, the 28-year-old could be on the plane to the World Cup - which would be his first call-up since Euro 2021. Meanwhile, Toney has been enjoying life at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia after his move from Brentford in 2024.
This season, he has scored 27 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions. Sports presenter Keys believes Toney should get the nod ahead of Calvert-Lewin.
"At the moment, it's Ollie Watkins, isn't it? I'm not sure I'd be going there," Keys began before questioning: "What's Ivan Toney done wrong?
"Ivan Toney, he's scoring goals for fun in Saudi Arabia. He's not out of the picture, is he? He's scoring a lot of goals in a different league.
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"That doesn't mean not playing well or he should be ignored. [Cristiano] Ronaldo will go to the World Cup and he's playing in Saudi Arabia. He's also [41]."
Ivan Toney
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Ivan Toney moved to Saudi Arabia in 2024(Image: Getty Images)
Gray, meanwhile, was taken aback by Keys' suggestion and argued that Tuchel should consider giving Calvert‑Lewin an opportunity.
"I just think if he gets another five, six goals, Calvert-Lewin, before the end of the season, then Thomas Tuchel can't ignore him, surely," the former Aston Villa striker said.
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Keys hit back, saying: "If I'm Thomas Tuchel then I'd have a look and then I would move on and I would be calling Ivan Toney because he's the right man."
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has already reaffirmed his praise of Calvert-Lewinas 'one of the best English strikers' in the Premier League. "I have made my feelings clear that he is one of the best English strikers in this league," he previously said on Sky Sports.
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"Quality players have to show consistency and play an outstanding season. The season is not finished, he wants to score many more goals. We are all happy we have him with us but he has to keep going."