Leeds United
Thomas Tuchel. (Credit: Imago)
This international break was the ultimate chance for a lot of Leeds United players to stake their claim for places ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the summer. Their performances at club level have been great, but this March break was going to show a lot.
Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were surprise callups for Germany and England respectively. The two players made their return to their respective national teams after years away. Stach has been an amazing signings this season, and has arguably been one of the best midfielders in the top flight. Calvert-Lewin started turning heads in November, going on a superb goalscoring streak.
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It was unfortunate that Wales quarter Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James were knocked out of World Cup qualification, but others still have a chance of making it.
Scott Minto thinks one advantage could take Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the World Cup
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, and is one of the best performers in that position. Thomas Tuchel pointed to this when he called him up for this month’s fixtures. England were assessing their options outside Harry Kane, with Calvert-Lewin and Solanke looking like the main alternatives.
Both featured in Friday night’s friendly against Uruguay, but neither managed to score. However, both showed enough in their time on the pitch for Tuchel to ponder when he’s selecting the final squad. Speaking of the England World Cup squad, former Chelsea man Scott Minto has been speaking on talkSPORT about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s chances. He believes the striker keeping a clean bill of health this season could see him make the final squad ahead of Solanke, who has missed most of the campaign.
”I was impressed with him (Solanke) but I have been more impressed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season.” he said.
And when Natalie Sawyer pointed out that Solanke has been out injured more than the Leeds United striker this season, Minto added: ”The injury thing is an important one. You cannot be taking too many people who are prone to injury. So if Dominic Calvert-Lewin suddenly looks like he is not injury prone, and Dominic Solanke looks like he is; that has got to be thrown into the mix as well.”
READ MORE: Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed huge England World Cup boost
Leeds United man has a real chance in the England squad
As things stand, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a massive chance of making the World Cup. He has played his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans and now it is up to him to deliver. You often play well at club level to get yourself noticed when it comes to these situations, and the Leeds man has done just that. Now that his international break is over, he has to return with a hungry mindset to Elland Road. He has to add to his tally of 10 goals in all competitions this season. If he does start scoring again, Leeds United are the real winners in this situation.