Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 26 March 2026 18:30, UK

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to face Uruguay and Japan over the next week after impressing for Leeds United.

The 29-year-old signed for the Whites on a free transfer last summer, and has netted 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances.

With Tuchel’s go-to back-up to Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, struggling to find form, it has been suggested that the German may opt for a different option at the World Cup.

Dominic Solanke has also been included in his latest squad, although the Tottenham man’s inclusion is far more controversial.

There is further competition for the Leeds striker to contend with, too, including the likes of Danny Welbeck.

How do England’s options compare statistically?

Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Leeds are keen to add another striker this summer, with Calvert-Lewin’s form dropping off of late.

The striker’s best form came in December, when he, incredibly, scored seven goals in six Premier League games as his team turned around their form.

Since then, however, the 29-year-old has scored just twice across all competitions, but has remained a hard worker at the head of the pitch.

Despite the gulf in class between the teams they play for, Calvert-Lewin has got shots off at a far greater rate than Watkins this season, taking 2.21 per 90 compared to the Aston Villa man’s 1.68.

And the same can be said of Welbeck, who offers 1.77 per 90, and Solanke, who manages to generate just 1.15.

Calvert-Lewin’s 0.49 expected goals (xG) per 90 also outweighs the numbers Solanke and Watkins produce, but it is narrowly edged by Welbeck’s 0.51.

The Brighton striker also produces more expected assists per 90 (0.06 to his opponent’s 0.04), and has created more chances in the Premier League this season, despite playing nearly 300 minutes less.

Welbeck can count himself fairly unlucky not to have made the squad, but it should be clear that his position is unfairly occupied by Solanke, not Calvert-Lewin.

Does Thomas Tuchel have other options?

In the Premier League, Liam Delap, Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson could also be in contention for this summer’s squad, although it is unlikely at this stage.

In fact, two of Tuchel’s best options come outside of England completely. Ivan Toney is the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer, having scored 34 goals in just 38 games for Al-Ahli this season, and did go to the European Championship with England in 2024.

The German has been largely dismissive of the 30-year-old due to the competition he is playing against, but he may be forced to take a closer look.

Elsewhere, former Villa striker Keinan Davis is enjoying a great spell at Udinese in Serie A, scoring 10 goals in 26 league games so far this season.

The 28-year-old has never played past the England Under-20s stage, however, and should be considered a very outside candidate.