🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "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 discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as 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 speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games. His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "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 discussion for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as 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 speed to test teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."