Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses 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 might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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