đź”— Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured 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 standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past. But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games. His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive. His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs. And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Secret to the Scoring Form? What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division. The England Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England return. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured 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 standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place." Stiff Competition But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted. "He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."