🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he 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 Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."