'England need that' - Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin backed for World Cup spot by Michael Owen
England icon Michael Owen believes there is a place for Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin at this summer’s World Cup.
The 29-year-old was last capped by the Three Lions in 2021, when he stepped off the bench in the Euro 2020 quarter-final win over Ukraine.
He sealed a free transfer move to Leeds last summer after nine years at Everton and the switch has breathed life back into his career.
After scoring 10 goals in Leeds colours, the Sheffield-born marksman is back in the England fold. He could make his long-awaited comeback tonight (March 27), when Thomas Tuchel’s men host Uruguay for a friendly at Wembley.
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Michael Owen’s verdict
Among those most familiar with what it takes to be a talismanic frontman for England is Owen, who scored 40 goals across his 89 international appearances.
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post as the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, Owen said: “It’s great for Dominic to get a chance to be in the England squad following his performances this season for Leeds.
“This is well-deserved too. He has been out of the England set-up for a while, but is having a very good season for Leeds United. So yes, he should be considered by Tuchel for sure.
“Come the World Cup, my gut feeling is that if Harry Kane is not starting, then Tuchel will look at a false nine to start, for example [Jude] Bellingham. So I feel he just possibly wouldn’t start Calvert-Lewin. However, be valuable as an impact sub, yes, it is feasible for sure.
“England need that kind of player to come off the bench and with his good goalscoring record, he can definitely be that player. You saw what [Ollie] Watkins did for England at the Euros, there is definitely a place in the squad for him.”
Recent goal drought
Tuchel has named an inflated squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. He has done so to reduce the load for some of his more established players and to get a closer look at those knocking on the door.
For Calvert-Lewin, it is a case of trying to keep his foot in the door witn the World Cup just months away.
A goal against Uruguay could help the marksman make his case, especially considering he has not netted at club level since February 6.
Owen said: “I don’t have anything against his finishing ability. It’s more [on] Leeds to look to create chances as he will score, as he has shown already this season.
“The Premier League is tough. Leeds had a good end to the year and beginning of 2026, picking up plenty of points to push up the table, but now the form has levelled out.
“I believe they can stay up, their run in isn’t as tough as others around them and also, having winnable games at Elland Road, they can get back scoring goals as their defence is pretty good, so they just need the ball to drop kindly and they can get back on the scoresheet.”