🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs. And the sole 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. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult 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 genuinely top-class 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 turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has 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 meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term. A Remarkable Resurgence The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages. However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs. And the sole 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. What's Behind the Purple Patch? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult 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 genuinely top-class 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 turned him into a popular figure at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space. "He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins has 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 meaningful impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."