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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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