Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

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

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

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

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

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

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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