🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship. Observers think 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."