🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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 supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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 supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."