🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games. His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games. His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space. "He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."