Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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