Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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