🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test 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 purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test 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 purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."