🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, 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 depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, 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 depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."