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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."