Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent 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 fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift 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," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think 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 long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."