Dominic Calvert-Lewin Earns England Recall After Bright Leeds Start
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back in the England squad as Thomas Tuchel rewards the Leeds United striker’s sharp start to 2026-27.
The 29-year-old has scored four times in seven Premier League and Carabao Cup outings for Leeds, having joined Daniel Farke’s side on a free transfer following the end of his nine-year Everton stay. He is now in line to add to his limited recent international involvement when England host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday.
Calvert-Lewin’s England route back
- Calvert-Lewin first established himself in the England picture in 2020-21, scoring four goals across 11 appearances.
- He then spent five years outside the senior set-up before returning in March 2026.
- That recall did not earn him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
- He has played only eight minutes of Nations League football for the Three Lions so far, but his Leeds form has brought another Tuchel call-up.
Last season, Calvert-Lewin struck 15 goals in all competitions, his strongest total since his breakthrough England campaign. His current run has also eased early concerns over his fitness record, with the forward regularly available after several injury-hit periods at Everton.
Leeds’ striker decision under scrutiny
Leeds chose not to buy another centre-forward in the most recent transfer window, placing significant faith in Calvert-Lewin remaining fit and productive. The decision has prompted questions, but former Whites striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the club were right not to force a signing.
Hasselbaink said it was “a risk”, but pointed to Calvert-Lewin’s availability. He added that Leeds should wait if the right striker is not on the market rather than recruit a player they do not fully want.
The former Leeds forward, who scored 42 times during two seasons at Elland Road, also praised the club’s recent recruitment. He believes Farke’s squad has become stronger than the one that comfortably preserved its Premier League status last term.
Leeds are fifth after taking nine points from five unbeaten league matches, raising early talk of a possible European push. Hasselbaink urged caution, however, saying any discussion about UEFA qualification should wait until around 10 games remain, with safety from the bottom three still the immediate priority.
What happens next
- Calvert-Lewin and England face Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, with the Leeds striker hoping for a larger role.
- Leeds resume Premier League action on Saturday with their toughest test of the campaign so far: an away match against reigning champions Arsenal.
- Farke will hope his international players, including Calvert-Lewin, return to Elland Road without fitness problems.
