🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."