Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

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

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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