Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest 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 so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite 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 was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

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

"He is a archetypal 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager 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 certainly has a chance."