🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."