Carragher Reacts to Calvert-Lewin Display as Leeds Drop Points at Everton
Leeds made a bright start to the contest and were rewarded with a first-half breakthrough, putting themselves in control against an Everton side still finding consistency in their new home. With momentum firmly on their side, the visitors had several chances to extend their advantage, and Calvert-Lewin, facing his former club, found himself at the centre of those moments.
The striker had clear openings to put the game to bed and ensure Leeds travelled home with all three points, but a lack of composure in front of goal proved costly. Everton weathered the pressure, gradually grew into the match, and were eventually rewarded in the 76th minute when they found an equaliser to preserve their unbeaten record in the fixture at home and avoid a fifth league defeat at the stadium this season.
Despite the frustration of the missed chances, Calvert-Lewin’s broader performances in recent weeks have been impressive. He has rediscovered sharpness, physicality, and confidence in his all-round play, reigniting conversations about a possible return to the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup. However, former England defender Jamie Carragher has poured a note of caution on the growing optimism.
Carragher delivers verdict on Calvert-Lewin’s World Cup hopes
Assessing the situation on Sky Sports, Carragher acknowledged Calvert-Lewin’s strong form but suggested that Ollie Watkins may currently be better positioned in the pecking order for international selection. According to Carragher, Watkins’ consistency at club level and his performances on the international stage give him a slight advantage.
Watkins has been a key figure for an Aston Villa side enjoying an excellent campaign and sitting third in the Premier League table. His contributions in a high-performing team, coupled with his showing for England at the last major tournament, were factors Carragher felt could weigh heavily in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.
“I think Calvert-Lewin is in fantastic form at the moment,” Carragher said. “But Ollie Watkins is playing for one of the top teams in the country, and that matters.
“He also did really well for England at the last tournament. There isn’t a great deal between the two players if we’re being completely honest, but Watkins has that reliability.”
Carragher went on to explain that while Calvert-Lewin deserves credit for maintaining fitness during his spell at Leeds, concerns about his injury history could still influence selection decisions.
“Calvert-Lewin has done brilliantly to keep himself available and fit,” he added. “But there’s always that little question mark around his fitness compared to Watkins. When you’re picking a World Cup squad, reliability can be the difference, and on that basis I’d probably lean towards Watkins.”
Tuchel decision still some way off
England head coach Thomas Tuchel is not expected to confirm his next squad until March, when the national team reconvenes for two international friendlies, one of which will see England face Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay. With several months and a demanding run of domestic fixtures still ahead, the battle for places remains wide open.
Calvert-Lewin appears to be in his best condition for some time, moving sharply, holding up play effectively, and consistently getting into dangerous areas. If he can continue to score goals and, crucially, remain injury-free, the pressure on Tuchel to include him will only increase.
At the same time, Watkins has timed his return to form well after a difficult first half of the season, strengthening his case at a crucial moment. With competition fierce and margins fine, Calvert-Lewin knows that continued productivity in front of goal will be essential if he is to remain firmly on the England manager’s radar as the World Cup draws closer.
