Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent 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 turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."