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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is 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 spree 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 described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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