🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be 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 stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be 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 stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."