🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."