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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect 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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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