🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. 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 created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs 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 shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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 However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. 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 created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs 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 shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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 However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."