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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined 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.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only 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 lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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