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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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