Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."