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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."