Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."