Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

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

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