🔗 Share this article Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Revival 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 latter stages. But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign. An Impressive Revival 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 latter stages. But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."