Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

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 played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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