Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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