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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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