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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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