Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."