🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."