Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced 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 this is the result."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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