🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."