Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed out on a spot in this summer's World Cup squad - but has channelled his disappointment to start the new season in hot form

Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes he started this season feeling “refreshed” after his World Cup snub.

Calvert-Lewin admits he was desperate to go to the United States in the summer which would have rounded off a memorable season after helping Leeds stay in the Premier League.

But Calvert-Lewin, 29, insists “everything happens for a reason” and the knock-on effect was that he got some quality time with his family and it is factor as to why he has started this season in good form.

Leeds striker Calvert-Lewin has scored five goals but also wants to stay in the England frame this time feeling that he really deserves it.

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Calvert-Lewin said: “Last season, England was obviously in the back of my mind because it’s a by-product of the success you have with your club. But I was so focused on keeping Leeds in the Premier League that I didn’t think too much about anything else.

“Having had the chance to play for England in March, a call up to the World Cup would’ve been an additional bonus. It’s a dream but my mission was accomplished with Leeds. Getting the call was OK.

“I had a nice time with my family and spent a lot of time with my daughter, which was refreshing, and that is why I started this season so well.

“Everything happens for a reason and I’ve got myself back in the fold. The last international break felt like a real call up in comparison to March, so happy to be here.”

Calvert-Lewin is seen as the back-up striker to Harry Kane but he wants to show he can play alongside the newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner. And he admits everyone now wants to be a striker like Kane after he was crowned the best player in the world.

He added: “When you’re a young kid and watch your heroes play you wanna be like them. There is a high chance of kids wanting to be No 9s going forward. The way he plays is not a traditional No 9 because he can do many different things.

“I’d like to think there are more No 9s and less so players who want to get in the pocket and turn. We’ve got an abundance of those and long may that continues but I like to watch physical No 9s who get in the box and score one-touch finishes.

“Harry is someone I’d love to play with. I look at how he likes to get on the ball… he assists as many as he scores so for me I’d be rubbing my hands together.

“Pressure and the pressure of scoring goals is something I embrace. Pressure is a privilege. I embrace it at Leeds, it’s why I play football. I missed the expectation when I wasn’t playing.”