Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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