Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"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 natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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