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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained 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 positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

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

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

"He also has the edge 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 England manager decides to take.

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