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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as just 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 of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through 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 this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"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."