🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading 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, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading 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, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."