Being back in the Premier League, some of Leeds United’s English stars might fall under the watchful eye of Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
For Leeds fans, the hope is that our players perform while in a Leeds shirt. Any international recognition is just a nice feel-good bonus, and a sign they’re showing their quality in the Premier League.
Ahead of the World Cup, our uptick in performance since December has numerous players hitting their best form and looking ahead to the summer’s tournament in the States.
Can Dominic Calvert-Lewin force his way back into England contention at Elland Road?
When Leeds signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a free agent, his stock as a potential option for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad was very low.
However, as mentioned, Leeds’ improvement since half-time away to Manchester City has shot Calvert-Lewin to the top end of the Premier League goalscoring charts.
With one goal to his name prior to that Etihad clash, he’s now on double figures. And, there are few strikers in the division in better form, let alone English ones.
Harry Kane is the absolute nailed starter, of course. Behind the Bayern Munich star, there’s an opportunity for Calvert-Lewin to stake his claim.
Ollie Watkins is probably seen as England’s next best, but is two goals (8) behind Calvert-Lewin (10). Importantly too, the Leeds man might be able to provide Tuchel with an intriguing alternative – an incredible aerial presence and possible ‘Hail Mary’ option late in games.
Granted, the Aston Villa man is a different option to Kane too. His ability to make runs in behind proved crucial to the Three Lions’ progress to the Euro 2024 final vs the Netherlands.
Jayden Bogle must be under consideration for England call-up as Leeds United form continues
After Jayden Bogle’s stunning performance at home to Nottingham Forest, I said that he was surely coming into Tuchel’s view for a call-up.
Not only is Bogle performing at a superb level, but there aren’t many, if any, right-backs in front of him right now. Reece James should be the guaranteed starter, but he can’t stay fit. Tino Livramento is next, but he’s out injured again. Trent Alexander-Arnold has only just returned from a muscle tear of his own.
Beyond that, there’s not a right-back that is without doubt better than Bogle both in form and ability. He showed exactly that away at Chelsea.
Playing as a wing-back, Bogle demonstrated his final third quality to drive into Chelsea’s box and win a penalty, before his pressing teed up Leeds’ equaliser.
It’s the latest in a growing list of standout performances from Bogle down our right. Tuchel should absolutely be taking notice regardless of right-back competition, but even more so given the injuries to every option that could be considered ‘better’.
James Justin’s another that you could consider. He’s been remarkable for Leeds since stepping into the back five, and that’s wherever he’s been asked to play in that defence.
I’m expecting Thomas Tuchel at Elland Road as Leeds United take on Manchester City
If Tuchel does have his eye on Bogle and Calvert-Lewin, it might be worth the German heading to Elland Road at the end of February.
Leeds welcome Manchester City to West Yorkshire on the 28th February, with multiple current England stars likely to line up for the visitors. Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, and Phil Foden could all start for Pep Guardiola.
A big test for Bogle and Calvert-Lewin would be how they fare against the elite opposition. It’s a tall order, obviously, but another good performance from the pair surely convinces Tuchel of their capabilities.
I must stress that I’m well aware that Tuchel will be looking at his March squad as the final chance to pin down his settled XI and squad for the World Cup. So, there’s little chance he shoves Bogle and Calvert-Lewin into his plans at this stage.
However, if we’re looking solely at our two Englishmen and the pecking order in their positions right now, they should be in contention.
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