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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."