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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."