Leeds’ in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits he has yet to hear from England manager Thomas Tuchel but is determined to force his way into World Cup talks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted playing for England at next summer’s World Cup is his “ultimate goal”. Calvert-Lewin, 28, is in fine form with four goals in as many games and has been as good as ever since arriving at Elland Road in the summer.
Leeds United striker Calvert-Lewin has made 11 appearances, his last appearance being in July 2021, and he has never stopped dreaming of representing his country again.
Calvert-Lewin, who is due to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday, said: “Of course, representing your country at the World Cup is the ultimate goal for any player and this is also a World Cup year.
“It’s always been my dream to represent England and it’s the best feeling in the world to represent your country. Of course, like any young man, I grew up playing football and watching England, so it’s still my dream.”
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“I would be surprised if playing for England wasn’t at the top of every English player’s list. So playing for your country. That’s just a goal I’ve had since the last time I played for England.
“That’s a belief I’ve always held, even when it seemed like I was still a long way from being able to compete at that level.
“The obvious and clichéd answer is that my focus is on Leeds. My main goal is to keep the football club in the Premier League and that’s always my ultimate goal. That’s my focus.”
“The aim for me to get into the England squad is to maintain the performance I have had and I like that international football is a by-product of that. Getting into the squad is a by-product of my performance at club level.”
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will consider a long list of potential call-ups in the coming months, but he has yet to hear back from the England manager.
But Calvert-Lewin, who scored four goals in 11 caps for England, said he believes he will be back by next summer but must continue to contribute and be consistent for Leeds.
Asked if Tuchel had called him, Calvert-Lewin added: “No, but I don’t expect him to. Consistency is what gets me into that conversation.”
“I’m doing well and scoring goals, so I won’t get carried away or get too carried away, but when I’m not feeling well, I want to remain as calm as ever. Nothing has changed for me.”
“I remember each goal and if I think about it, I can look back at the caps I played. Looking back, I never took it for granted, but things can change quickly in football. I’m a great example of not only being close to the goal, but also being far away.”
“There’s always someone nearby ready to step in. That’s elite sport. When you’re British and your squad is so talented, that’s what happens.”
“I always knew it would take a certain amount of luck and timing. I think timing is very important on the national team because you have to be in a good moment and lay the foundation for something like that to happen.”
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