Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through 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 this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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