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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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