Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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