Leeds: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s World Cup dream may still be alive as Thomas Tuchel speaks out

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could yet find himself on the plane to the World Cup despite being cut from England’s squad after the clash with Uruguay.

The 29-year-old was called up to the Three Lions squad for the first time in five years as Thomas Tuchel named a 35-man group for the March internationals, but he was promptly cut from the group after last week’s friendly.

Calvert-Lewin was part of an eight-man group that were sent back to their clubs following the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, with the Yorkshire Evening Post revealing that it was a pre-planned decision from Tuchel, and not a slight on the performances of those who were cut.

Nevertheless, the Whites star’s hopes of making the final squad for the World Cup appeared to have been dealt a serious blow by the news.

He is set to be a crucial figure in Leeds’ ongoing battle against relegation in the coming weeks, and Tuchel has now hinted that the door is not completely closed on him just yet.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin fits Thomas Tuchel criteria after cut

Calvert-Lewin was introduced from the bench shortly before the hour mark last Friday, and he missed a golden chance to find the back of the net when he glanced Cole Palmer’s free-kick wide.

He is among a number of strikers who are competing to be Harry Kane’s understudy for this summer’s tournament, with the likes of Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins also possible options to play second fiddle.

However, while Tuchel had seemingly closed the door on Calvert-Lewin by cutting him from the group, he has now suggested that the dream of going to the tournament could still be on for the Leeds man, as he explained the reasoning behind his decision.

“It’s the reality of the season, the reality of the end of March, the reality of players involved in more than one competition,” the German boss said.

“We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern.”

Calvert-Lewin falls in line with both of those criteria, which certainly suggests that Tuchel’s call to send him back to his club may have been made with the player’s fitness in mind as much as anything.

The England chief also suggested that he is still no closer to deciding who will be Kane’s backup this summer, which further reinforces the idea that the place is there for Calvert-Lewin to claim between now and the end of the campaign.

Leeds eyeing alternative to Calvert-Lewin

Football Insider recently revealed that Leeds want to add another striker to their group to provide another option to Calvert-Lewin, if they remain in the Premier League next term.

There are still some concerns at Elland Road surrounding the streaky nature of the former Everton man’s goalscoring, as he scored in six consecutive games earlier in the campaign.

However, he now finds himself on a run of six without a goal, and Daniel Farke currently lacks the firepower in the rest of the group to switch away from the veteran until he can get his confidence back in front of goal.

He will still play a key role for the West Yorkshire outfit between now and the end of the season, but with the club desperate to try and strengthen their hand in the summer, he looks set to face competition for his place next term.

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