🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains 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 as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages. Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable. His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains 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 as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."