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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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