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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."