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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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