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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."