🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."