Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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