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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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