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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top 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, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only 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.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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