Calvert-Lewin turns World Cup snub into fuel as Leeds striker targets England recall

Dominic Calvert-Lewin says being left out of England’s World Cup squad this summer ultimately worked in his favour, crediting the break with his family for the form that has seen him score five goals in the early weeks of the new Premier League season with Leeds.

The 29-year-old striker admitted he was desperate to be on the plane to the United States, particularly after playing a central role in keeping Leeds in the top flight last term. But Calvert-Lewin insists he has made peace with the decision, telling reporters: “Everything happens for a reason and I’ve got myself back in the fold. The last international break felt like a real call up in comparison to March, so happy to be here.”

Calvert-Lewin pointed to the time he spent with his daughter during the tournament as a key factor in his refreshed mindset. “I had a nice time with my family and spent a lot of time with my daughter, which was refreshing, and that is why I started this season so well,” he said.

The striker is widely regarded as the understudy to Harry Kane in Gareth Southgate’s England setup, but Calvert-Lewin made clear he wants to be seen as a partner rather than a replacement for the newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner. “Harry is someone I’d love to play with,” he said. “I look at how he likes to get on the ball — he assists as many as he scores, so for me I’d be rubbing my hands together.”

Calvert-Lewin also used Kane’s recognition as the world’s best player to make a broader point about the evolution of the centre-forward position. “The way he plays is not a traditional No 9 because he can do many different things,” he said. “There is a high chance of kids wanting to be No 9s going forward. I like to watch physical No 9s who get in the box and score one-touch finishes.”

On the subject of expectation and pressure, Calvert-Lewin was unambiguous. “Pressure is a privilege. I embrace it at Leeds — it’s why I play football. I missed the expectation when I wasn’t playing.” After a period disrupted by injury in recent seasons, the striker appears determined to make that expectation count at both club and international level.