Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. 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 voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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