Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."