🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable. His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."