🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift 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 some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit 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." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable. His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs. And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club. Analysts point to the tactical shift 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 some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship. Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard. "He looks as fit 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." Stiff Competition Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted. "He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."