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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge 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 specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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