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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as fit 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."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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