Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

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

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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