Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only 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 lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test 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 no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."