🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive 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 injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual 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 Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained 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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive 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 injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual 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 Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained 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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."