Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

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

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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