Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

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

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major 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," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs 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 little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."