đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic 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 test of resolve 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic 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 test of resolve 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."