🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "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 might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "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 might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."