🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," 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 But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "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 advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend 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 concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," 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 But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "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 advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend 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 concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."