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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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 injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast 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 meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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