Leeds United’s stunning start to the Premier League season has captured the imagination of football fans across the country. Currently sitting comfortably and unbeaten after five matches—highlighted by a sensational 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle at Elland Road—Daniel Farke’s side is proving they belong among the league’s elite.
New signings like James Trafford, Nico Elvedi, and Tarik Muharemovic have hit the ground running, while established stars have elevated their games. Among them, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has continued the scintillating form that saw him bag 15 goals last campaign, netting 4 goals in his opening 7 matches this term.
That resurgence earned the former Everton talisman a much-deserved recall to the England setup under new manager Thomas Tuchel. However, not everyone is convinced the striker belongs on the international stage.
Gabby Agbonlahor’s Scathing Verdict
Speaking live on talkSPORT, outspoken pundit Gabby Agbonlahor launched a fierce critique of the Leeds frontman, arguing that Calvert-Lewin simply does not possess the quality required to spearhead the Three Lions’ attack.
Comparing him to younger emerging talents, Agbonlahor did not mince words:
“[Liam Delap’s] the one that I’d say his age, the pathway is there for him. I don’t think Calvert-Lewin is the answer. I don’t think he should be anywhere near the England squad. He’s not good enough for the level we want to play at.”
The harsh assessment has instantly drawn backlash from supporters and pundits who view the criticism as premature, especially given how hard Calvert-Lewin has worked to rebuild his career away from the injury nightmare that plagued his final years at Goodison Park.
Why the Criticism Feels Unfair
When Leeds United and the club’s 49ers ownership group rolled the dice on Calvert-Lewin, many rival clubs shied away due to his extensive injury history and declining form. Farke and the front office took a calculated risk—one that paid off massively when he fired the club to safety with 15 goals last season.
Furthermore, critics of Agbonlahor’s take point out that Calvert-Lewin has barely been given a fair look under Tuchel during the current international break. Featuring in just two matches and logging a meager 47 total minutes on the pitch, the striker hasn’t even been afforded a proper canvas to showcase what he can do in a Three Lions shirt.
For Leeds supporters, the noise from national pundits is just background chatter. With their star striker hungry to prove his doubters wrong, Calvert-Lewin remains focused on continuing his stellar club form and letting his goalscoring boots do the talking.
Do you think Gabby Agbonlahor is right about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, or does the Leeds striker deserve a regular starting look in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad?
