🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."