Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"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."

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

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