Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early England exit was planned as Thomas Tuchel explains withdrawals | OneFootball

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early departure from England duty was agreed in advance and not performance-related, yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk understands, as Thomas Tuchel reshaped his squad for Japan.

Calvert-Lewin received a first call-up in five years for the final camp before this summer’s World Cup. His Leeds debut season features 10 Premier League goals. Tuchel picked a 35-man squad and rested senior figures, Harry Kane included, for Friday’s Uruguay friendly.

Solanke started, Calvert-Lewin entered on 56 minutes. He headed a Cole Palmer free-kick wide on 70 with the game goalless. Ben White scored, then Federico Valverde levelled from the spot for 1-1.

After the draw, Calvert-Lewin said it was an honour to be back in an England shirt. As anticipated, Tuchel recalled his first-choice group for Japan and eight players went back to their clubs, including Calvert-Lewin.

Other exits included Arsenal trio Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who returned to the Emirates for assessment. John Stones and Adam Wharton went back to Manchester City and Crystal Palace with knocks. There was no suggestion of any fitness issue for Calvert-Lewin.

Before Tuesday’s Japan friendly at Wembley, Tuchel said the churn reflected late-March workloads and players in multiple competitions. He added some in camp had already played more minutes than last season, which concerned him.

Calvert-Lewin is back at Leeds with time to recover before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham, selection permitting. He should also be refreshed for a Premier League run-in of seven games to avoid relegation.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk