Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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