Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character 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 no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front 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 get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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