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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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