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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked 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 previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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