Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart 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 established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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 depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."