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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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