Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into 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 lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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