Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted to sinking to a point where he was “a million miles away” from his current position.
The 29-year-old has found form again at Elland Road after a tough end to his nine-year association with Everton.
He could make his Three Lions comeback against Uruguay tomorrow (March 27) and in an interview with ITV, the marksman has spoken candidly about his return to prominence.
Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back in the England set-up.placeholder image
Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back in the England set-up. | Carl Recine/Getty Images
‘A million miles away’
When asked the lowest point in his career dip, he said: “[It is] hard to say when that was, but there was definitely a point where I was a million miles away from where I am now.
“My journey, I guess, is a little bit different to some of the other boys that are in this camp. I’ve experienced what it’s like to have it and lose it. Now that I’m here again, I just want to prove I deserve to be here.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s bounce back
Calvert-Lewin has 11 caps to his name but could have been forgiven for thinking he had won his last.
He struggled with injury and form after a goal-laden period at Everton and left upon the expiry of his contract last summer.
Since joining Leeds on a free transfer last summer, the Sheffield-born frontman has registered 10 goals in the Premier League.
He said: “I would say I always thought I’d get back but there were times when doubt started to creep in. I’m grateful that I had my wife there to keep pushing me.
“I think success is never really in a straight line. I think setbacks are inevitable in football and I’ve faced a fair share of my own, so I’m definitely pleased to be here.
“I’ve been in pretty good form this season. I never expected it, I would say, but I was hopeful.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has weighed in with some crucial goals for Leeds United this season.placeholder image
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has weighed in with some crucial goals for Leeds United this season. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Better than the first time
Calvert-Lewin received his first England call-up in October 2020 after a blistering start to the 2020/21 campaign.
It was a special moment for the Whites star, but his latest call-up has topped it.
He said: “[It feels] even better. To do it a second time, given the setbacks and amount of time it’s been, and the work I’ve put in, it’s made me very grateful to be here.”
England will host Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay under the Wembley arch in a friendly tomorrow night. They will be back on home turf in friendly action on Tuesday (March 31), when Japan will visit the capital.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel looks set to give some of his fringe players a chance against Uruguay before welcoming back some of his more established figures for the Japan clash.