🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."