Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak 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 did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant 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," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel 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 long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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