Wayne Rooney has tipped Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for an England recall while defending Viktor Gyokeres’ importance to Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge despite his modest goal return.
Wayne Rooney has backed Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to challenge for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
After a stuttering start to his career at Elland Road, the 28-year-old has entered a prolific run of form, scoring in five consecutive matches.
This streak included a brace in a dominant 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, signaling a major turnaround for the former Everton man.
Rooney believes the lack of alternative attacking options for the national team could open the door for his former teammate.
“If he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked about – or even get an opportunity – to go to the World Cup, purely because of the lack of forwards England have got,” Rooney stated.
He praised the striker’s aerial dominance and physical presence as key assets for the international stage.
Reflecting on the forward’s departure from Merseyside, Rooney suggested the move benefited all parties involved.
While Calvert-Lewin struggled with persistent hamstring injuries during his final years at Everton, a fresh start in Yorkshire has revitalized his fitness.
“It would have been very difficult for Everton to give him a new contract with his injury record, but he’s gone to Leeds, kept himself fit,” Rooney noted, crediting the Leeds medical staff for his resurgence.
Turning his attention to the title race, Rooney offered a staunch defense of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres despite the Swede’s recent dip in goalscoring.
Although Gyokeres has netted only seven times this season, Rooney argued that his tactical contributions are often overlooked by critics.
He highlighted how the striker’s physicality creates vital opportunities for teammates by occupying opposition defenders, even when he isn’t finding the back of the net himself.
Rooney insisted that Gyokeres remains an essential component of Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. While acknowledging that the former Sporting Lisbon star should aim for a higher goal tally, Rooney emphasized his overall value to the squad’s championship aspirations.
“I think if Arsenal go on to win the league, then he’ll have had a big role to play, definitely,” he concluded, reinforcing the idea that selfless play is key to the Gunners’ success.