Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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 setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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