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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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