🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at 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. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Experts 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 given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at 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. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Experts 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 given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."