Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team 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 sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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