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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

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

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

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

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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