Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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