Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

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 fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."