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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses 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 significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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