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

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

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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.

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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