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

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

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

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling 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," 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 lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."