Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix 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 Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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