Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"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 has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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