🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel 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 considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages. But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive. His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition. The England Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Observers feel 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 considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."