Leeds United frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin would feel devastated about missing out on England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after what Wayne Rooney said about Ivan Toney.
While the Whites splurged £100million on new signings last summer, Calvert-Lewin proved to be a shrewd addition, arriving on a free transfer from Everton.
The Sheffield-born centre-forward played a key role in Leeds United retaining their Premier League status for another season, bagging 14 goals and an assist in 35 appearances.
That is why a good section of the Leeds fanbase were sad to see the 29-year-old miss out on a place on England’s squad for the World Cup this summer.
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Rooney rates Calvert-Lewin over Toney
Thomas Tuchel thought Calvert-Lewin’s performances for the Elland Road outfit did not warrant a place in his squad, and picked Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Toney instead.
Toney’s selection in particular raised eyebrows as the 30-year-old now plies his trade for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, while Calvert-Lewin racked up regular minutes in the English top-flight.
Rooney has now echoed that sentiment, suggesting that he, too, is shocked that the former Brentford frontman is with the Three Lions squad in North America.
Asked to rank a five-man England striker list, which does not include Kane, the Manchester United legend named Dominic Solanke at five and Calvert-Lewin at four.
However, he was stopped dead in his tracks after being asked to rank Toney in the list, before bluntly saying he would not have the ex-Peterborough ace in his list at all.
Speaking to SPORF, he said, “I wouldn’t have him in the five, so I’ll have to put him as three.”
Rooney went on to place Danny Welbeck and Watkins at second and first, respectively, but admitted that he was not happy with his list.
He said, “I would have changed one or two of them.”
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Leeds United will not have complaints about Calvert-Lewin’s omission
While it is always great to see one of your players enjoy a good run in the World Cup, Leeds United will not be too upset about Calvert-Lewin’s omission.
The former Everton man would feel hard done by after missing out on a spot in Tuchel’s squad, but he could certainly do with a break.
Calvert-Lewin has had his fair share of fitness problems over the years, and participating in the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico after an intense campaign under Daniel Farke might have been too much for him.
Now, the striker can put his feet up for a while before returning to pre-season action later this summer.
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