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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."