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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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