🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal 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 lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "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 holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal 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 lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "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 holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."