Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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 injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

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 maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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