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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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