Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."