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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

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

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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