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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious 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 never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers think 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 said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, 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 come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."