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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent 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 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."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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