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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."