🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."