🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful 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 depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club. Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship. Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful 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 depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."