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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- 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 contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."