🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former 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 consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former 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 consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."