🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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 But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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 But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."