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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."