'Fit, firing and raring to go' - Calvert-Lewin's message to Tuchel

Fitness issues are often cited as the reason why there would be doubts around Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading to the World Cup this summer, but all you have to do is watch his winning goal against Brighton for evidence of just how strong he is feeling at the end of this season.

It had been a gruelling 90 minutes for the striker. He had been chasing scraps, with Brighton having most of the ball and creating the majority of the chances.

But then, deep into injury-time, Calvert-Lewin was there to sprint at full pace on to an awful Jan Paul van Hecke back pass, as if it was the first minute of the game, before calmly touching the ball around the goalkeeper and finishing things off from a tight angle.

If there was any tiredness, you would have never guessed it. His celebration even involved a sprint across the penalty area, with his team-mates struggling to catch him as he threw his shirt off.

The message from that goal to England boss Thomas Tuchel was that he is fit, firing and raring to go, if he gets on that plane to the United States this summer.

For more proof of what a great season Calvert-Lewin has had, when Leeds did a lap of honour after the final whistle, the striker got the second biggest cheer from the Elland Road supporters, with the biggest being reserved for manager Daniel Farke.

The chances are that Calvert-Lewin won't make Tuchel's final World Cup 26-man squad, especially after the run Ollie Watkins has been on at the end of this season.

But, whatever happens, the Leeds number nine can look back on his 2025-26 campaign with immense pride. He has proven he is still one of the best English strikers in the Premier League.