2026-03-17 11:45:22

Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes he can be Harry Kane’s deputy for England at the World Cup.

The Leeds striker hasn’t played for his country since the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 tournament in 2021 but thinks that he is capable of being backup to the Three Lions skipper at this summer’s tournament in North America.

Calvert-Lewin – who has scored 10 goals for Leeds this season – told ESPN’s The Football Reporters’ podcast: “You have to be realistic. He [Kane] is one of the best centre-forwards, if not the best centre-forward in the world, he’s prolific at the moment and he’s England captain.

“So to dislodge him from that position is an extremely tough task. You could say I’ve been his understudy before at the 2021 Euros so I’ve experienced what its like.

“You have to be mentally tough and be ready at all times that if you’re called upon, that you are ready to go, I was a little bit younger back then and there were difficult moments during that tournament where I felt that maybe I could have been put on, or wanted to play out of pure eagerness and desire to make an impact.

“That didn’t happen as much as I would have liked but now, in hindsight, I look back and you have to appreciate what’s in front of you. With my experience now, I know the role I’m fighting for. I know what that is and I’m accepting of that.”

Calvert-Lewin hasn’t spoken with England boss Thomas Tuchel but is aiming for a strong end to the season with Leeds to put him in contention for a spot in the squad.

He said: “It’s hard to look at the World Cup when what’s in front of me now is keeping Leeds in the Premier League.

“That was my main objective at the start of the season. I always know that representing your country is a byproduct of good form and goals. That’s what required in order to achieve our goals at club level.

“Obviously it is a dream and it has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to go to a World Cup, as it is for any young footballer. I’m no different. My main objective is to do my best for Leeds, keeping scoring goals and winning games, make sure we are a Premier League team next season and if that is enough to warrant me a place in the World Cup squad, it is a bonus.”

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