RCD Espanyol v FC Barcelona - LaLiga Santander
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 14: Gary Linker is seen presenting for LaLigaTV prior to the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel during the international break.
Off the back of scoring 15 goals in all competitions for United last season, Calvert-Lewin was unfortunate to miss out on a spot in the squad for the World Cup over the summer.
The striker was handed his 12th England cap as a second-half substitute against Uruguay back in March. Ultimately, he failed to make a big enough impression on Tuchel to go to the World Cup.
After starting the new season well, with four goals in all competitions, Calvert-Lewin has been recalled for England’s Nations League fixtures, as preparations begin for Euro 2028.
However, it’s not gone entirely to plan so far for United’s number nine. Gary Lineker has outlined a worrying issue for Calvert-Lewin.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remained an unused substitute against the Czech Republic
With the extended international break, England had four Nations League fixtures lined up.
The game at Wembley against Spain last weekend and the game in Prague last night against the Czech Republic are already in the rearview mirror.
England’s remaining games in this camp are an away game against Croatia on Saturday. The return fixture against the Czech Republic is then on Tuesday.
After the first two games, Calvert-Lewin has played just 13 minutes. All of these minutes came during England’s 2-3 defeat against Spain, in which he had just one touch.
Last night against the Czech Republic, England were 2-0 up and playing against ten men when Harry Kane was subbed off in the 71st minute. Most would assume Calvert-Lewin, the other recognised striker in the squad, would replace him, but this wasn’t the case.
Instead, it was Jude Bellingham who was subbed on.
It’s fair to say this decision from Tuchel left former England striker Gary Lineker confused.
“Interesting, though, I just thought in a tactical perspective, when Kane came off, he didn’t put Calvert-Lewin on,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“He kind of played Bellingham as a false nine, which I think, looking ahead, what’s Kane now? We’re going to have to look beyond Harry Kane at some point.
“There’s no natural progressor at the moment, but maybe Tuchel sees Bellingham as a false nine.”
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards were also confused by Thomas Tuchel’s substitution
Lineker’s co-hosts, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, were also left scratching their heads when Bellingham was brought on instead of Calvert-Lewin to replace Kane.
“I thought that as well; as soon as he brought him on, I thought the same thing,” Shearer said.
“I’m not sure; I just prefer Bellingham’s runs from deeper,” Richards said.
“He can get more on the ball, and he’s got more presence in that midfield.”
Of course we all want Calvert-Lewin to get more opportunities for England. But from a selfish perspective as a club, Tuchel limiting his minutes means there’s less chance he picks up any sort of injury whilst away on international duty, which would be catastrophic news for Leeds.
Obviously, there are still two games left for Calvert-Lewin to make an impact for England.
But as Leeds supporters, this is far from our main concern. A couple more cameo appearances would be nice to keep him ticking over, but as long as he returns to West Yorkshire fully fit and ready for our next Premier League game against Arsenal, that’s the most important thing.