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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

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

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