Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

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

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 this is the result."

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 scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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