Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive 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 this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses 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 tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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