🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."