🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."