Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."