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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

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

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