EXCLUSIVE: Beckford backs Calvert-Lewin for England World Cup spot
Ex-Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has spoken about how he's backing Whites front man Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview, Winterburn, speaking to Odds Now on behalf of Gambling.com, who specialise in comparing trustworthy gambling sites UK, explained why he believes the former Everton forward will be heading to the USA, Mexico, and Canada this summer.
The UK bookmakers are divided in their opinions over whether Calvert-Lewin is likely to be called up by Tuchel for this summer's major international tournament in the Americas.
Betway are offering a best price of 4/1 on Calvert-Lewin making the 26-man England squad for the World Cup. However, other bookies, including Paddy Power and Sky Bet, are pricing that outcome as short as 5/4.
Calvert-Lewin has scored 10 league goals in 26 Premier League appearances, scoring at a rate of 0.46 goals every 90 minutes. That makes him the joint top-scoring Englishman, along with Danny Welbeck, in the top flight of English football.
When asked about whether Calvert-Lewin's fine club form for Leeds this season would be enough to warrant a call-up for the World Cup, Beckford was in no doubt.
Beckford said, "I think so 100%. You look at the top English strikers, and Dom is right there in the mix.
"Full credit to him and his return to form for Leeds United. I have been super impressed with him and how he has settled in at Leeds. He is working hard, always looking to get into the penalty area to score goals and has taken the ones he has scored well.
"Clearly, Harry Kane is number one on the team sheet for England, and he is still getting remarkable numbers at Bayern. But yes, Dom must be in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking, as we will need a backup to Kane this summer.
"Looking elsewhere, I think Danny Welbeck may be another one to consider. Jarrod Bowen isn’t a No. 9, but he will be one that Tuchel will look at for the forward positions, too, alongside Ollie Watkins, who made great contributions at the Euros.
"Ivan Toney, I don’t think, is in consideration now, so not many to choose from now. So, I think Dom fits that physical centre-forward slot that you need within the squad, and I hope he gets a call-up this month."
Beckford was also asked about his thoughts on Leeds' survival chances in the Premier League this season. The club currently sit in 15th place on 31 points after 29 league games. Daniel Farke's men are just 3 points above the drop zone.
Beckford stated, "Leeds have just slipped off the past two home games, losing narrowly in both games, but I do think they will have enough to stay up this season.
"They have shown enough quality so far and aren’t losing games by big margins, and they are working so hard as a team. They have enough about them; they are playing well and competing in every game.
"As a group, the squad is definitely ready for the final run-in to get enough points now to stay up. There are games that you can look at where Leeds can pick up points. They just need to get back to scoring after a few games without a goal, but they have enough for sure.
"You look at the teams around them, and Leeds are definitely the ones where all the squad are in it together to do enough to pick up enough points, I believe."
Leeds are currently listed at a best price of 7/1 with SpreadEx to be relegated this season.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
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