Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his first England appearance in five years during their clash with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay side at Wembley.
Calvert-Lewin will still be kicking himself after he missed a massive opportunity during the game, when he fired his header wide from point-blank range.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
The forward, as well as seven other players, left the England camp ahead of their second friendly of the international break against Japan, with many fearing that this signified the end of Calvert-Lewin’s World Cup hopes.
However, an Elland Road insider has recently revealed the reason why Leeds’ talisman returned from international duty earlier than expected.
Graham Smyth reveals all on Calvert-Lewin and the England situation
Calvert-Lewin’s 10 Premier League goals for United so far this season have fired him back into England contention, with Daniel Farke and the medical team at Leeds deserving a huge amount of credit for getting the best out of the striker.
If the forward can add to this tally between now and the end of the campaign to help keep the Whites in the top flight, there is seemingly still a chance that Calvert-Lewin could find himself on the plane and heading to the World Cup this summer.
This is according to a recent post from Smyth on X on 31 March, who revealed the real reason why Calvert-Lewin was sent home by Tuchel.
Smyth said: “In response to some of the narrative around Dominic Calvert-Lewin being ‘sent home early’, the noise from the England camp is that his return to Leeds was not linked to performance. Was pre-planned.
“In any case, ideal for Leeds that he rests ahead of what is to come.”
This is positive for all parties, as Calvert-Lewin’s confidence will not be knocked, as he was not sent home due to his performance against Uruguay, and Leeds can welcome their star man back to Thorp Arch after returning from international duty unscathed.
READ MORE:‘He is ready’ – Leeds United backed to sign sensational 28-goal striker – The Leeds Press
Data suggests Calvert-Lewin’s England hopes may have received a major boost
Whilst it is clear that Harry Kane will be the undisputed first-choice striker for the World Cup, and deservedly so, Thomas Tuchel has seemingly not made up his mind when it comes to identifying who will be his backup option.
The German manager even deployed Phil Foden as a somewhat false nine during their recent game against Japan, but this ultimately backfired, with England losing 1-0.
England had an xG of 2.13 but failed to score against Japan
Despite England having 19 shots, none of them was classified as big chances
Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, was forced into making only three saves during the game (Sofascore)
This blunt attacking performance from England will only aid Calvert-Lewin’s chances of earning a call-up for the summer, with no player really grabbing his opportunity and making himself undeniable up to this point when it comes to being England’s understudy to Kane.
READ MORE:‘Personally surprised…’ – Elland Road insider reveals truth after blockbuster Leeds United and Manchester United announcement – The Leeds Press