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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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