Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for 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.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

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

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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