🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Resurgence 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 injuries in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant 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 national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Resurgence 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 injuries in its final stages. Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant 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 national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."