🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. 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 outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."