🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently 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 speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently 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 speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."