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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading 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 marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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