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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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 fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole 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 Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast 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 significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."