đź”— Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages. However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Intense Competition But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."