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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive 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 better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions 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 standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

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

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