🔗 Share this article Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "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 conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over. Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games. His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season. A Stunning Return to Form The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages. However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment." That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club. Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 believed in myself and here I am now." His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. International Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall. The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship. Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard. "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 conversation for a World Cup place." Fierce Rivalry Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion. "If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition." Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include. "I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."