Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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