Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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