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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."