Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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