Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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