Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," 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

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."