🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class 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 beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."