🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading 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 noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading 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 noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."