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

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early departure from the England camp was pre-planned and not performance related, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.

The Leeds United striker earned a first international call-up in five years for the final break before this summer’s World Cup, reward for a strong debut season with 10 Premier League goals.

Thomas Tuchel selected a 35-man squad, with his senior core, Harry Kane included, rested for Friday’s friendly against Uruguay. Dominic Solanke started up front and Calvert-Lewin came on after 56 minutes.

Calvert-Lewin headed wide from a Cole Palmer free-kick on 70 minutes. Ben White put England ahead before Federico Valverde’s penalty ensured a 1-1 draw. After the game, the striker expressed delight at being back in an England shirt.

As expected, Tuchel restored his first-choice unit for Japan and eight squad members returned to their clubs, Calvert-Lewin among them. Tottenham frontman Solanke stayed in camp to support the returning Kane.

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

Asked about the withdrawals, Tuchel highlighted the late-March workload and players competing on multiple fronts, noting some have already played more minutes than last season. Calvert-Lewin fits both categories.

The 29-year-old returns to Leeds ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham, should Daniel Farke go full strength. He should also be refreshed for a seven-game Premier League survival run-in.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk