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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak 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 described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think 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 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."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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