🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."