Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback 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 put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."