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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as fit 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

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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