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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently 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 speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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