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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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 injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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