🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."