🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games. His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Revival The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages. Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable. His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team. Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."