🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the only 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the only 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 has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."