Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic 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 endured 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 backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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