Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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