🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over. But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games. His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Revival The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team. Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league. The England Conversation Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include. "I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."