Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just 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 of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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