🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."