Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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