Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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