Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only 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 recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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