Leeds United’s stellar start to the Premier League campaign is about to reap massive international rewards, with in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin firmly on course for an England recall under Thomas Tuchel.
Daniel Farke’s side has enjoyed a rock-solid opening to the season, sitting proudly in third place in the table after dismantling Newcastle United 4-1 in a scintillating display at Elland Road. With eight points secured from their opening four matches, trailing only giants Arsenal and Manchester City, the Whites are emphatically validating their pre-season billing as genuine European contenders.
While collective performances have caught the eye, it is Calvert-Lewin’s dominant displays leading the line that have set the football world abuzz.
Calvert-Lewin’s Blistering Form Forces Tuchel’s Hand
Against Newcastle, Calvert-Lewin bullied opposing defenders from the first whistle to the last, netting twice before the break—with his opening strike officially credited by the Premier League’s dubious goals committee after an initial deflection off teammate Jayden Bogle.
That double takes the 29-year-old’s tally to three goals for the campaign, placing him joint-second in the Golden Boot race behind only Erling Haaland. His relentless work rate and clinical edge prompted high praise from pundit Jamie Carragher, who publicly questioned whether there is a more in-form English striker in the top flight right now.
According to sources at TEAMtalk, those performances haven’t gone unnoticed by the national team setup. Calvert-Lewin, who already boasts 12 international caps, is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad on Friday for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia, and a double-header against Czechia.
He will likely be joined by club teammate James Trafford, who is a virtual shoo-in for selection. The £40m summer signing will be eager to add to his two senior caps, though he faces stiff competition from undisputed No. 1 Jordan Pickford and Tuchel’s favored deputy, Dean Henderson.
James Justin Emerges as a Surprise Contender for Recall
Calvert-Lewin and Trafford might not be the only Leeds representatives in the upcoming England squad. Transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey reports that whispers are growing louder behind the scenes regarding versatile defender James Justin, who is firmly in contention for a surprise international recall.
England’s coaching staff reportedly “like Justin a lot,” largely due to his tactical flexibility and rare ability to cover every single position across the backline. Since arriving at Elland Road from Leicester City in August 2025 for a bargain £10m, the 28-year-old has made 36 appearances and chipped in with four goals.
Justin has showcased his utility under Farke this term, seamlessly sliding into a left wing-back role early in the season to cover the injured Gabriel Gudmundsson, while also operating comfortably as an underlapping right-sided central defender in a back three. With his sole England cap coming way back in June 2022 against Hungary, a recall would successfully end a 51-month absence from the Three Lions setup.
Meanwhile, while right-back Jayden Bogle has also been monitored following an impressive start to the year, his immediate path remains blocked by the return to fitness of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.
Farke Champions His Squad’s International Ambitions
Speaking ahead of the squad announcement, Daniel Farke didn’t hesitate to champion his players’ international credentials, urging Tuchel to look closely at Elland Road to inject fresh energy into the national team.
“Dominic is a crucial player, and if he shows this type of form, he’s definitely one of the best strikers in this league,” Farke told a press conference.
When asked if more of his players deserved a look-in, the Leeds boss added with a grin: “Definitely realistic. But there are a few other names on my mind with an English passport after a performance like this.”
With Calvert-Lewin firing on all cylinders and defensive stalwarts like Justin knocking hard on the international door, Leeds United’s resurgence is capturing the attention of the entire nation.
