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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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