Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal 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 penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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