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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive 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 blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

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

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