Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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