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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top 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, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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