Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts 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 classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. 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 voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."