The Leeds United frontman will get his chance for England against Uruguay this evening.
England boss Thomas Tuchel wants Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin to grasp tonight’s chance against Uruguay with Harry Kane absent.
The back-up striker role has been a key topic of England debate in recent weeks, with several options staking their claim but none standing out. Neither Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins nor Danny Welbeck of Brighton were named in this month’s 35-man squad, with Calvert-Lewin rewarded for a 10-goal debut campaign at Leeds.
The 29-year-old is expected to get significant minutes in the first of England’s two World Cup warm-up friendlies this evening, with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay due at Wembley. He and namesake Dominic Solanke look to be vying for a squad place this summer alongside first-choice Harry Kane, who will be rested tonight.
“Very difficult because Harry is Harry, he’s our captain and the goal-getter,” Tuchel said. “Of course, a starter for us and the question is then always if we are chasing a result, do we really take Harry off? And when is the chance to be a substitute for Harry?
“When is that moment? Or do we even look for someone who can play with Harry? Do we look for someone who is maybe also a good penalty taker? Because maybe in the heat, Harry is not on the pitch anymore when it comes to penalties, so who can replace him there?
“These are the questions we have to answer but first, it's important the two of them understand it's a big chance to be in camp without Harry and not to sit on the bench waiting for 10/15 minutes, but to compete actually for a real chance to start and get good quality minutes. That’s the challenge for both of them.”
Leeds United striker part of key squad battle
Calvert-Lewin versus Solanke is one of several intriguing battles within the current England squad, with Tuchel set to make some difficult decisions. In cutting down his squad, the England boss will also have to choose between the likes of Cole Palmer or Phil Foden, Noni Madueke or Jarrod Bowen, Kobbie Mainoo or James Garner.
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But having waited five years since last international call-up, and off the back of one his best seasons in recent memory, Calvert-Lewin is not about to shy away from that pressure. And Tuchel is looking forward to seeing the competition between his two Kane back-up contenders.
“They are very positive about it and I feel they really want to show what's in them,” The Three Lions boss added. “We had a very good training session yesterday and hopefully they can prove the point tomorrow.”
Tuchel has also said he will have a maximum of 23 outfield players for England’s second friendly against Ao Tanaka’s Japan next week, meaning at least seven will be sent back to their clubs. Calvert-Lewin will be desperate to play against his Leeds teammate and take another chance at securing a summer ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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