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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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