Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Stunning 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 closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think 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 said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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