Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious 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 of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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