Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."