🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think 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 while," one commented. "If he sustains 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 double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits think 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 while," one commented. "If he sustains 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 double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."