Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went 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 the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

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

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