Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

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