🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through 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 believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through 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 believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."