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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 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 here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," 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

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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