Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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