Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

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 blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "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 as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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