Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"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."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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