🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games. His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better 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? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games. His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better 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? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."