FOUR GOALS IN FOUR GAMES: DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN SENDS WORLD CUP MESSAGE TO TUCHEL
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 4 goals in 4 games for Leeds. Now, he’s eyeing a spot in Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin says playing for England at next year's World Cup is still his ultimate goal. The 28-year-old is on a hot streak, scoring four goals in his last four games, really hitting his stride after moving to Leeds United this summer.
He's played for England 11 times before, but not since July 2021. Even though it's been a while, he's still dreaming of wearing that Three Lions shirt again.
Before Saturday's game against Crystal Palace, Calvert-Lewin mentioned that playing for your country at a World Cup is the top wish for any player, especially with the World Cup coming up next year.
He said, Playing for England has always been my dream. It's the best feeling ever. Like any kid who grew up watching England, that's still what I want.
The Mirror quotes him as saying, I'd be shocked if playing for England wasn't the main goal for every English player. It's been my aim since the last time I played for England.
He added, I've always believed I could get back there, even when it seemed far off.
But, to give you the usual answer, I'm focused on Leeds. My main job is to keep the club in the Premier League, and that's always my top priority.
To reach my England goal, I need to keep playing well. Hopefully, getting into the national team will just happen as a result of that.
England boss Thomas Tuchel will be watching a lot of players over the next few months, but he hasn't contacted Calvert-Lewin yet.
Calvert-Lewin, who has scored four goals in his 11 appearances for England, is sure he can get back into the mix if he keeps performing for Leeds.
When asked if Tuchel had been in touch, Calvert-Lewin said, No, but I don't expect him to be. Playing well consistently is what will get me noticed.
I'm not getting too excited just because I'm in good form and scoring goals. I'm trying to stay calm, just like when things weren't going so well. Nothing's really changed for me.
I remember every goal and every game I played for England. Looking back, I wouldn't say I took it for granted, but things can change fast in football. I'm proof of that—you can be really close to something but also really far away.
There's always someone waiting to take your place; that's just how it is in elite sport. When you're English, there are so many talented players.
I always knew I'd need some luck and good timing to get back in the national team. You have to be in good form and build from there to make things happen.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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