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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious 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 this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."