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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo 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?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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