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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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