Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"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 out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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