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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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