🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."