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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits 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 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."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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