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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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