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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable 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 hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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