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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."