Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "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 established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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