🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Ultimately, 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 selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Ultimately, 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 selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."