Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only 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 top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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