🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal 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 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, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the ideal 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 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, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."