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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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