Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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