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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."