Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured 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 here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."