🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."