Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."