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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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