Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

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 latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"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 natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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