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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last 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 in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"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 might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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