Leeds: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s World Cup dream may still be alive as Thomas Tuchel speaks out
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 31 March 2026 19:30, UK 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. VISIT THE LEEDS MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Dominic Calvert-Lewin fits Thomas Tuchel criteria after cutCalvert-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.
Stats2025-262024-25Apps (Starts)28 (23)26 (19)Minutes21191613Goals103xG11.66.75Goals per 900.420.17Shots on Target per 901.11.12Big Chances Missed1416Calvert-Lewin’s 2025-26 Premier League stats compared to 2024-25, as per Fotmob.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.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Leeds United return pre-planned, as reported by @GrahamSmyth. Speaking on exits, Thomas Tuchel mentioned players who've played more mins than last season and those still in two club competitions – DCL fits both categories👇#LUFC https://t.co/M2zOhIn3El— Kyle Newbould (@kylenewbould) March 31, 2026 View Tweet 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.