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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning 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 injuries in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into 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 lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit 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."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, 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 tournament."

Finally, 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 he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."