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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "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 as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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