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

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

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

"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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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