Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."

Laura Miller
Laura Miller

En passionerad livsstilsbloggare som älskar att dela enkla lösningar för en mer harmonisk vardag.