Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"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 nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."