Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

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

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."