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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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