Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager 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."