🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages. However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."