Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

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

His six-game scoring run puts 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 never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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