Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."