Wayne Rooney gives England verdict on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s red-hot run for Leeds United has pushed him back into the England conversation, but Wayne Rooney believes the striker still has work to do before forcing his way into a World Cup squad. Speaking after another prolific week for the forward, Rooney struck a note of caution despite praising Calvert-Lewin’s recent impact.

The 28-year-old has not been capped since 2021 and has watched others move ahead of him in the pecking order. Yet his form for Leeds United has reignited debate about the options available to England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Calvert-Lewin has scored six goals in his last five matches, including a weekend brace in Leeds’ emphatic 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. It’s a surge that has not gone unnoticed — but Rooney insists longevity is key.

“He’s doing everything right, but he’s got more to do, I think, until the end of the season,” said Wayne Rooney. “He is a handful in the box, he is good in the air, and he is scoring goals. So he’s putting himself in the bracket of getting in that squad. But he has to carry on this form until the end of the season.”

Rooney also pointed to competition for places, adding: “We spoke about Danny Welbeck a few weeks ago, and now it is Calvert-Lewin. I think Ollie Watkins is still the one for me who is next in line behind Harry Kane.”

Rooney knows Calvert-Lewin well from their time together at Everton, where the striker spent nearly a decade, scoring 71 goals in 273 appearances. That history lends weight to his assessment: praise grounded in familiarity, but tempered by realism.

From my experience following England selection cycles, short bursts rarely guarantee tournament places. Tuchel, like his predecessors, will prioritise reliability and availability across an entire campaign — something Calvert-Lewin has struggled with in recent seasons due to injuries.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has also urged restraint. While delighted with his number nine’s trajectory, Farke stressed the importance of consistency.

“Right now he’s on a path to be a top-class player for Leeds United and also a Leeds United hero,” Farke said. “But you have to show this with consistency over the whole season… he has to continue.”

That alignment between club manager and former England striker is telling. The message is clear: the door is open, but it won’t be forced by a few strong weeks.

What works in Calvert-Lewin’s favour is profile. England lack true box-focused forwards beyond Kane. Calvert-Lewin’s aerial presence, penalty-box instincts and ability to occupy centre-backs offer a different tactical option — particularly in matches where England need territory and second balls. If he maintains fitness and output, he provides Tuchel with variety rather than replication.

The counterpoint remains durability. At 28, this may be Calvert-Lewin’s final realistic push for a major tournament. Any dip — physical or statistical — could quickly see the narrative move on again.

If Calvert-Lewin keeps scoring at this rate, should England reward form — or stick with established options?