Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run 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 explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart 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 established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts 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, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."