🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."