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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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 setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever 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 former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

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

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