Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

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

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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