🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division. International Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."