🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. 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 blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional 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 challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he 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 English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. 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 blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional 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 challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."