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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked 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 this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, 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 stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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