Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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