Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole 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.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as sharp 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 Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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