Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin left England camp early as Thomas Tuchel explains exits | OneFootball

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early departure from the England camp was arranged in advance and not linked to performance.

The Leeds striker earned a first call-up in five years for the final camp before this summer’s World Cup. Thomas Tuchel named a 35-man group, resting his core for Friday’s Uruguay friendly.

Dominic Solanke started for England, Calvert-Lewin came on after 56 minutes. He glanced a Cole Palmer free-kick wide on 70, Ben White put England ahead, then Federico Valverde levelled from the spot for 1-1.

Post-match, Calvert-Lewin said on X that it was an honour to be back and he loved every minute. Tuchel then recalled his first-team unit for Japan, eight players returned to clubs, with Calvert-Lewin among them as Solanke stayed to support Kane.

Claims he was sent home for an underwhelming display were misplaced, the call was pre-planned and not performance-related. Other departures included Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice for assessment, while John Stones and Adam Wharton went back with knocks. There was no hint of a fitness issue for Calvert-Lewin.

Before Tuesday’s Japan game at Wembley, Tuchel noted injuries and that some in camp have already played more minutes than last season, and others remain in multiple competitions. Calvert-Lewin fits both categories.

He returns to Leeds rested and in time for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham, if Daniel Farke goes full strength. He should also be recharged for the Premier League run-in, with seven matches left.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk