Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."