🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. 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 sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages. But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. 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 sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."