Dominic Calvert-Lewin is making the case for a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup each time he scores the highest score of his career.
The striker scored in six games in a row as Leeds drew 1-1 with Sunderland but missed out on a chance to move into fifth place in the Premier League on Sunday.
Having remained injury-free and in the best form of his professional career, Calvert-Lewin makes a strong case to be Harry Kane’s backup in England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tying goal at Stadium of Light came in the 47th minute with a trademark one-touch finish from close range, off a cross from USA forward Brenden Aaronson.
Calvert-Lewin has scored eight league goals, more than any other English player.
“I feel good, I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m enjoying playing with the players,” said Calvert-Lewin, who last played for England at the 2021 European Championship and left Everton in the summer after experiencing injury problems.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of tests of character, but I persevered through it, kept moving forward, kept pushing myself back, and now I’m here.”
Simon Adingra put Sunderland ahead in the 28th minute, following Granit Xhaka’s deft pass behind the full-backs and firing a right-footed shot inside the far post.
The match was a clash between promoted teams, with Sunderland, seventh in the table so far this season, favored.
However, Leeds are currently unbeaten in five games and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.
tottenham win
Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 1-0 away thanks to Archie Gray’s first-half header, securing their second win in nine league games.
The win took some of the pressure off Spurs manager Thomas Frank and lifted his team to 11th place, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
Gray scored the goal in the 42nd minute when he headed a corner kick at the far post into the center of the area.
Palace have lost three league games in a row and may be struggling to cope with the increased fixture load brought on by their participation in the UEFA Conference League.
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Steve Douglas is https://twitter.com/sdouglas80
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