Calvert-Lewin, Iliya Gruev's Leeds Teammate, Hopes for a Spot in England's 2026 World Cup Squad
Iliya Gruev's Leeds teammate dreams of the World Cup — Calvert-Lewin is fighting for the backup striker role behind Kane, while the pair battle for Leeds' Premier League survival.
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — teammate of Bulgarian international Iliya Gruev — makes no secret of his ambitions: he believes he can earn a place in the England squad for this summer's World Cup. The 28-year-old forward acknowledges, however, that his immediate priority is different — helping Leeds stay in the Premier League.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is set to announce his squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan on March 27 and 31, and Calvert-Lewin is among the likely picks. With 10 league goals, he is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League — level with Brighton's Danny Welbeck.
"You have to be realistic. Harry Kane is one of the best — if not the best — centre-forward in the world right now, and he's the captain. Replacing him in that position is an incredibly tough task. At Euro 2021, I was already in the role of his backup, so I know what it means," Calvert-Lewin explained to ESPN.
The striker has 4 goals in 11 caps for the Three Lions, with his last international appearance dating back to July 2021 — the 4-0 victory over Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
"You have to be mentally tough and ready at all times. Back then I was younger and there were moments when I wanted to come on and make a difference, but it didn't work out the way I wanted. Looking back, though, you have to be grateful for every opportunity. Now I know what my role is, I accept it, and I'm ready for it," he added.