Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for 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.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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