Premier League boss not shocked if Thomas Tuchel snubs 11-cap star despite ‘fantastic season’

Daniel Farke admits it would be a ‘positive surprise’ if Dominic Calvert-Lewin is named in Friday’s England squad.

The Leeds United striker has not featured for the Three Lions since Euro 2020.

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However, he is currently the joint-highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season.

Calvert-Lewin is tied with Danny Welbeck on 10 goals from his 27 league appearances for Leeds.

His form for Farke’s side has seen the 29-year-old tipped for an England recall throughout the campaign.

talkSPORT’s Henry Winter and Shaun Custis both urged Tuchel to include him in his squad back in December.

It came after Calvert-Lewin had scored in five consecutive Premier League appearances.

He would go on to extend that run to six with seven goals in that period.

Farke on Calvert-Lewin’s England chances

Farke was asked if he would be shocked if Calvert-Lewin is not called up by Tuchel this week.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Leeds’ clash with Brentford, he explained: “No, not shocked.

“It would be a positive surprise if he gets the call-up, because he wasn’t involved in the recent years. He has played a fantastic, fantastic season so far.

“But also the season’s not over. It’s important right now that he chips in and concentrates on top performances with us, and hopefully also more goals and more assists.

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“It’s up to Thomas to make the calls, and he doesn’t need my recommendations.

“I would always back Dominic to play on this level, and he would deserve it, but wouldn’t say that would be a shock if he’s not involved.”

Tuchel is set to name his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan on Friday.

talkSPORT understands Calvert-Lewin is under consideration for a place in the side.

It comes as the Three Lions weigh up their back-up options beyond Harry Kane for this summer’s World Cup.

Ollie Watkins is also an option, but has not been able to match Calvert-Lewin’s scoring form this season.

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As for the former Everton man, he has four goals in 11 caps for England since making his debut in October 2020.

Gareth Southgate later included him in his squad for the following summer’s Euros.

However, Calvert-Lewin has not added to his tally of caps since the quarter-final victory over Ukraine.

The tournament also marked his last inclusion in a Three Lions squad.