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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp 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 as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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