🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games. His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. An Impressive Return to Form The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages. But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable. His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Scoring Form? Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly. "He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team. Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result." His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. International Conversation Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship. Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."