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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable 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 nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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