Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only 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 difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last 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 in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "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 supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."