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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"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."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also has 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 could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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