Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."