Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two individual 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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