🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. 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 consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. 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 consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."