🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games. His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages. But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."