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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

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

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game 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 longest stands at 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 Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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