🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old joined 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. However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the edge 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 include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past. However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Revival The 28-year-old joined 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. However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable. His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club. Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space. "He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. World Cup Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the edge 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 include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."