Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," 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, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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