🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."