Dominic Calvert-Lewin: James Garner responds to Leeds star’s message after England return
Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally returned to the pitch for England after being rewarded for his form at Leeds United this season.
Although the goals have dried up in recent weeks, the 29-year-old has already netted his most goals in a Premier League season (10) since notching 16 in the 2020-21 campaign.
Thomas Tuchel chose Calvert-Lewin over the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, with the striker given a few minutes to impress in the friendly fixture against Uruguay on Friday, 27 March.
Daniel Farke and those at Elland Road will be hoping for the striker to return to form when Leeds face West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday, 5 April, and he even had the chance to break his drought.
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VISIT THE LEEDS MATCH HUBDominic Calvert-Lewin feels the love after rare England appearance
Calvert-Lewin replaced Dominic Solanke in the 57th minute, making his first appearance for the Three Lions for the first time since Euro 2020 against Ukraine.
Taking to Instagram (28 March), Calvert-Lewin wrote: “An honour to be back wearing the England shirt, loved every minute,” with a red love heart, prompting reactions from Premier League stars.
As well as gaining likes from former teammates James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Jake O’Brien, joined by Declan Rice and Phil Foden, James Garner also commented with a red love heart.
His selection was absolutely deserved, and with no strikers able to produce the same number of goals as Harry Kane, he could certainly be on the plane to the 2026 World Cup this summer.
How did the Leeds United star perform vs Uruguay?
During his 34 minutes on the pitch, Calvert-Lewin was incredibly unfortunate not to score, putting his close-range header wide and spurning a chance to score his fifth England goal.
He could only complete 50 per cent of his passes, but with one shot on target, eight touches, one tackle and 100 per cent of his ground duels won, the substitute nearly made a defining impact at Wembley.
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Uruguay | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 34 |
| Accurate passes | 50% (2/4) |
| Shot accuracy | 50% (1/2) |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 8 |
| Ground duels won | 100% (1/1) |
It would have been a fairytale return for the 29-year-old had he found the back of the net, but it was not to be, and he’ll have to go again when the Three Lions play Japan on Tuesday, 31 March.
Players are fighting for their spot on the plane ahead of the World Cup, and the supporting striker role is rather open before the 2025-26 campaign comes to a close.
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