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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer 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 stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 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 maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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