🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "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 natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing 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 exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit 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." Fierce Competition Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly. "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 natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing 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 exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit 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." Fierce Competition Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."