'I think you have to be' - England urged to consider Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin by Kevin Davies
Kevin Davies has urged England to consider calling up an in-form Leeds United star
Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has to be considered for an England recall, according to former Three Lions international Kevin Davies.
Calvert-Lewin was drafted back into the England fold in March, nearly five years on from his last appearance at international level.
He won his 12th cap in a 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay, but missed out on a seat on the plane for the World Cup in the summer.
The 29-year-old has already registered three goals at club level this term and his impressive showing against Newcastle United on Monday night (September 14) was well-timed. On Friday (September 18), Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Kevin Davies on Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Former Bolton Wanderers stalwart Davies, who won his one and only England cap in 2010, told Sky Sports: “I think on form, he has to be up there, doesn’t he? You always pick the players on form, confident - you have to.
“You look at [Ivan] Toney, [Ollie] Watkins, who have gone over to Saudi [Arabia], [they] didn’t really do too much in the World Cup to impress I don’t think.
“I think you have to be looking at him really as a back-up. Give him an opportunity. There’s not many other English players doing what he’s doing at the moment.”
Leeds United’s England hopefuls
Calvert-Lewin was among the scorers as Leeds completed a 4-1 rout of Newcastle, but also won plenty of plaudits for his all-round play.
He looked to have bagged a brace, only to discover his first-half header had hit Jayden Bogle on its way in.
Tuchel may be tempted to freshen up his squad following the heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit, and Calvert-Lewin could be among the beneficiaries of a desire for change.
Marauding right-back Bogle could also be an outside contender having enjoyed a scintillating start to the Premier League campaign in West Yorkshire. Some would argue there should also be consideration given to a recall for James Justin, who has not appeared for England since his international debut in 2022.
England will face Spain on September 26 and then have a trip to Croatia sandwiched between two meetings with the Czech Republic.