Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."