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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up 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 nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."