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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has 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 major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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