π Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading 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 spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading 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 spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."