Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."