🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly 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 matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly 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 matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."