Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge 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."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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