🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit 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." Intense Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "He looks as fit 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." Intense Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."