Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo 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 Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions 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 standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."