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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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