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

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

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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