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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus 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 classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"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 significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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