Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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