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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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