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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."