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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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