Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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