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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

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

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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