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

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

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team 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 fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."