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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts 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, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."