Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

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

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."