🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," 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 However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," 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 However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."