Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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