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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous 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 sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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