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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely 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 outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run 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 described 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 just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally 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 Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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