Leeds United are currently turning heads across the Premier League, sitting pretty in fourth place after a stunning start to the campaign. Daniel Farke’s side sent shockwaves through the division on Monday night with a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United at Elland Road, signaling that their sights are set far higher than last season’s 14th-place finish.
While Farke continues to publicly temper expectations, supporters and pundits alike are beginning to whisper about European qualification. A massive catalyst behind this early-season surge has been the scintillating form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The forward put on a masterclass against Newcastle, scoring once and terrorizing the Magpies’ backline with a relentlessly physical and incisive display. Yet, despite his stellar performances, questions have swirled regarding whether England manager Thomas Tuchel will open the door for a national team recall ahead of the upcoming international squad selection.
Kevin Davies Backs Calvert-Lewin for England Backup Role
While some analysts have urged caution regarding a potential Three Lions return, former Premier League striker and Sky Sports pundit Kevin Davies believes the debate should be put to bed immediately. Speaking on Sky Sports, Davies argued that there is zero justification for Tuchel to ignore Calvert-Lewin given his current run of form.
Pointing out that traditional rivals for the spot—such as Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins—have moved to Saudi Arabia and failed to make a major impact at the World Cup, Davies insisted that form must dictate selection.
When asked who should serve as Harry Kane’s primary backup in the England setup, Davies stated:
“I think on form, he has to be up there, doesn’t he? You always pick players on form; you have to. Toney and Watkins have gone to Saudi. They didn’t really impress at the World Cup. I think you really have to look at him as a backup; give him the opportunity and go and have a look at him. There aren’t many other English players who are doing what he is doing.”
Tuchel Running Out of Excuses
The pressure is mounting on Thomas Tuchel, who previously dropped Calvert-Lewin after a single cameo appearance prior to the World Cup, choosing instead to lean heavily on Ivan Toney during the tournament. Tuchel’s prior rationale—that a successful international squad requires more than just the 26 best individual players—created a hurdle for the Leeds talisman.
However, with Calvert-Lewin playing some of the best football of his career and spearheading Leeds’ ascent up the Premier League table, those tactical preferences are coming under intense scrutiny. Few English centre-forwards are currently matching his physical dominance, work rate, and clinical edge in the final third.
As the international break approaches, the footballing world waits to see whether Tuchel will reward merit and give the in-form Leeds star the national team recognition he so clearly deserves. If form is truly the ultimate metric, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given the England boss an impossible argument to ignore.
