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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak 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 impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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