Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run 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 summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent 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 fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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