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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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