🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages. Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable. His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. International Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."