Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe 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 while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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