🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages. However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."