🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration 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." Intense Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him. Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages. But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive. His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship. Observers believe the striker will be in consideration 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." Intense Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."