Exclusive: Michael Brown Warns Dominic Calvert-Lewin England Return Won’t Come Easy

Leeds United have enjoyed an impressive first half of the 2025/26 Premier League season, defying many pre-season predictions that had them tipped for an immediate relegation battle.

After 12 matches, Daniel Farke’s side had experienced a mixed opening to the campaign. While there were encouraging moments, including an opening-day win over Everton, Leeds found themselves deep in the relegation zone and struggling for momentum.

The pressure was mounting heading into their final fixture of November away at Manchester City. Many supporters feared the trip to the Etihad could spell the end of Farke’s tenure.

The Etihad Turning Point

After a dismal first half saw Leeds trail 2-0, those fears appeared justified. But a dramatic second-half response changed the course of their season.

Farke altered his approach at the break, introducing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and switching to a back three. Leeds roared back into the contest, scoring twice and pushing City to the brink, before Phil Foden struck a late winner to deny them a famous point.

Despite the defeat, the performance proved pivotal.

Former Leeds midfielder Michael Brown believes that moment saved Farke’s job and reignited belief within the squad.

“If you looked at Leeds’ start, you knew it was going to be a tough season for them,” Brown told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“It looked like it was going to be impossible. A change of manager, uncertainty.”

“Getting beat 2-0 looked to be the final straw against Manchester City, but then at half time something changed. He brought Calvert-Lewin on, he went with three at the back. From there on beating Chelsea and then going on a great run. It's given him confidence.”

Momentum Builds Under Farke

That spirited display was quickly followed by a statement 3-1 victory over Chelsea and a thrilling 3-3 draw against reigning champions Liverpool. From that point on, Leeds have continued to climb.

They now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone and appear far more settled heading into the second half of the campaign.

Brown feels the club are in a strong position but warns that complacency could be costly.

“They're in a good place; they've got a great chance where it looked really tight.”

“But they've still got to look over the shoulder. West Ham could sign players. Forest, very dangerous with the squad they've got.”

“It's fantastic to see my former team in that better area of the bottom end of the table, but there’s still work to do.”

Calvert-Lewin’s Revival

One of the biggest success stories of Leeds’ season has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Signed on a free transfer from Everton after several injury-hit years, expectations were modest when he arrived in West Yorkshire.

Instead, the striker has flourished.

With nine Premier League goals already to his name and a Player of the Month award, Calvert-Lewin has been central to Leeds’ resurgence.

Brown was never in doubt that the striker would deliver, provided he could stay fit.

“He just needed a run of games; he's missed so much football.”

“He's in a good vein of form. He's getting into some good areas. You know what he is physically. He can cause problems. He's quick in behind. He's got an eye for goal.”

England World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin’s form has even sparked talk of international recognition, with Brown suggesting Thomas Tuchel could consider him for this year’s World Cup squad.

Competition remains fierce, with Harry Kane leading the line and Ollie Watkins also in strong contention, alongside England’s tendency to use wide players centrally.

Still, Brown believes Calvert-Lewin’s case is clear if the goals keep coming.

“He’s a striker in the Premier League and he’s scoring goals.”

“But he’s got tough competition, we know that. When you’ve got the main man at the top of the pitch, with Harry Kane, that’s a given.”

“There’s a bit of a fight to see if there’s going to be another number nine rather than just wide players playing a false nine that could take his spot.”

“He’s just got to keep going on as much as he can, see if he can keep it up until the end of the season, but it’s going to be tough for him.”

“Ollie Watkins is going to be one isn’t he, and I feel like he wants to be there.”

January Priorities

Looking ahead to the closing stages of the January transfer window, Brown believes Leeds could benefit from reinforcements in midfield but accepts financial limitations may restrict activity.

“For Leeds I think they’ve been talking about a midfielder.”

Leeds have even been linked with a potential romantic return for Kalvin Phillips, a signing that would perfectly fit the midfield mould they’re after.

“They’ve gone with a little bit more of a dynamic approach, more pace and athleticism.”

“In the Premier League, they can improve all over the pitch, so it’s hard to pigeonhole one area, January to very tough to go out and get a particular player.”

“I don’t think he’ll be able to do too much,” he concluded. 

Michael Brown was speaking to SportsBoom exclusively, on behalf of Midnite, club sponsors of Sheffield United and Southampton, as it brought back The Midnite Express which saw over 100 Blades fans travel to St Mary’s on luxury coaches free of charge for their Championship clash on Wednesday, January 21.

Midnite continues to bring fans closer to the teams they love with exciting partner initiatives.