🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to 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 summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced 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 now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to 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 summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."