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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

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

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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