🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."