đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."