🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages. But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages. But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."