Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

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

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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