🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."