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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went 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 this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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