🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured 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 sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past. Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games. His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Remarkable Return to Form The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club. Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards." His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured 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 sustain this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place." Fierce Competition Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."