🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into 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 neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into 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 neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."