Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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