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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

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

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

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

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."