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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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