🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. 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 hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "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 discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. 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 hampered by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "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 discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."