Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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