🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "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 timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel 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 long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "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 timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel 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 long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."