Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains 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 behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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