🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only 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 this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge 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 major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only 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 this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge 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 major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."