🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge 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 little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages. However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge 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 little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."