Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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