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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious 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 this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "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 established him as a popular figure at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."