'Unstoppable' Dominic Calvert-Lewin told he CAN make England's World Cup squad

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Thomas Tuchel was at Selhurst Park on Sunday to watch Phil Foden as he considered his many options at No.10 at the World Cup.

But across London at the GTech Stadium, Dominic Calvert-Lewin also scored in his fourth consecutive game to push his claim to be the back-up No.9. And Tuchel’s fellow German Daniel Farke then told his friend to give him a call so he could tell him what he had missed.

While England are spoiled for choice in the playmaking role - Tuchel also saw Cole Palmer score on Saturday - there is no clear alternative to Harry Kane . Ollie Watkins is out of form and favour, Dominic Solanke injured and Ivan Toney in Saudi Arabia. Last month Tuchel said he could play Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon down the middle or Foden as a false nine.

But the 6 ft 2 in Calvert-Lewin, who won the last of his 11 caps at Euro 2021, offers a real aerial threat and a different challenge for defences.

Speaking about his 82nd-minute headed equaliser, Farke said: “When the ball comes in like this, he is unstoppable.”

DCL is on his best scoring streak since scoring in four straight games for Everton in 2020 as he plays a central role in Leeds’ recent revival. After getting released in the summer, he has scored as many goals in the last 16 days as any Everton player has all season.

"It's always the goal to play for your country and to represent your country at a World Cup,” said Calvert-Lewin. “For me my job is to do as best as possible for Leeds United and that is what I am here to do, the rest takes care of itself."

Farke said: "For me, he is one of the best English strikers in this league. Harry Kane is playing in Germany for Bayern Munich , but in the Premier League , he is definitely one of the best English strikers and he will be a key player for us going forward."

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At the age of 28, he should be at the peak of his career.

Asked if he would plead DCL’s case to Tuchel, the Leeds boss smiled: "I have got such a good relationship with Thomas that I am far away from giving any recommendation.

"He will know exactly what he needs to win the World Cup. He (DCL) has many caps for England and has also a good goal record.

"I think these goals are even more remarkable for a promoted side that can't play that dominant than sides fighting for the title, so he will have chances to be in the spotlight.

"My relationship with Thomas is so close and he knows if he has any questions, he can call my number and we can speak about it. It always depends on the performances and I think (the) sky is the limit for Dominic. Thomas can always call me!”

Farke’s fate - and that of his team - is now closely linked to Calvert-Lewin form and fitness. If he stays on the pitch - his career has been dogged by injuries - Leeds can stay up. And he could go to the World Cup.

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“I’m feeling good, feeling healthy,” he told Sky Sports . The performances are speaking for themselves at the moment. This is the fittest I've been for a long time and I have worked extremely hard to get in this position.

"When you get a certain narrative around you and get tarred with a certain brush it is hard to shake it, so for me it was always about being mentally tough at certain points and hanging in there and putting performances together. All of a sudden the tide starts to turn and you start scoring goals. That's just the life as a centre forward."