Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."